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ARISTOCEACY OF BOSTON; 



VHO THEY ARE, AND WHAT THEY WERE 



BEING A HISTORY OF THE 



BUSINESS AND BUSINESS MEN 



a? m ^ B w 



FOU THE liAST FORTY YEARS. 



BY ONE WHO KNOWS THEM. 



BOSTON: 
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 

AND FOR SALE BY ALL DEALERS IN CHEAP BOOKS. 







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BEING A IIISTOUY OF THE 



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FOU TMI5 I.A8T FCIKTY ¥EAMS« 



BY OWE 



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BOSTON. 
PUBLISHED BY THE A U T H O IJ 

AND FOR SALE BY ALL DEALERS IN CHEAi' BOOKS. 



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ADVERTISEMENT 



Some years ago there appeai-etl a book, purporting to be an account of 
the wealthy ir.cn of Boston, it was easy to be seen, that the person who pre- 
j>arecl it, knew very little of the subject about which he was \vriting. T!ie 
author of the W(?*c;?< work was then induced to put down on paper — partly 
for his own amusomcnt, and partly for the information of his young friends — 
his own recollections of the " Business and Business Men ot liof^ton." These 
memoranda are now published, as it is believed there is nothing in them 
that need not be known, and much that will gratify a rational curiosity. Ho 
will only say for himself, that for upwards of forty years he has oeen a Boston 
merchant, and that ho clamis to Know soniething of the business and society 
i>f Boston ; and what is here written, may be considered a portmn of his 
experience and recollections. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, tn the year 1848, by THOMAS L. V. WILSON, 
in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of Maasachuaetts. 



THE 



AmSTOCRACY OF BOSTON: 

WHO THEY ARE, AND WHAT THEY WERE. 



ADAMS, BENJAMIN. Long a shrewd, polite dry goods dealer, in Kilby- 
street, of the firm of B. & C. Adams, and later of the firm of Adams, Homer 
&c Co. 

ALGER, CYRUS, from Biidgewater ; Iron Founder, South Boston, who 
has pushed his way, by sagacity and good conduct, to eminence and wealth. 
The geologist of this name, his son, has contributed many valuable papers 
upon that science in Silliman's Journal. He was sent by his father to explore 
Nova Scotia, in the vicinity of the coal mines, many years ago. He has been 
much employed by government, and was selected by Col. Bomford to cast 
some immense pieces of ordnance. 

ALLEN, ANDREW J. Many years a lively, busy, and prosperous sta- 
tioner, &c., in State-st., near the Massachusetts Bank, and now as busy about 
railroads. He was one of their first advocates in Boston; 

AM0R7, CHARLES & V/ILLIAM. Sons of the late Col. Thomas C. 
Amory. Charles married a daughter of the late Gardiner Green ; William a 
daughter of David Sears. The commission house of " Thomas C. Amory & 
Co.," was among the first in Boston. The late " good " Jonathan Amory was 
the other partner. On the dissolution of that firm, by the death of Thomas 
C, Jonathan retired to a snug business alone. The oldest son of Thomas C, 
formed the house of Adams & Amory. Joseph H Adams from Newbury- 
port, did a large business, but failed, involvingr Daniel Appleton, now a large 
and prosperous bookseller and publisher, in New- York. This Thomas C. 
Amory has distinguished himself in organizing the present Fire Department, 
and is piesident of an insurance company. 

AMOHY, JONATHAN, Jr. A son of" good " Jonathan, succeeded to the 
commission business in dry goods of Brown, Brothers & Co., in New- York, in 
the unfortunate house of Amory, Leeds & Co., who wore prostrated by the 
storms of 1S36 and 1837. 

AMORY, JAMES, a cousin of Charles and AYilliam, and son of "good " 
•Jonathan, married another daughter oi' the late Gaidiner Green. 

ANDREWS, E BEN. T. Formerly the partner of Isaiah Thomas, under 
the firm of Thomas & Andrews, booksellers and publishers. Mr. Thomas 
retired to Worcester, and was the principal founder of the Antiquarian Society. 

APPLETON, SAMUEL & NATHAN. Brothers, and formerly partners, 
and importers of British dry goods, in South Row, till Broad-street was made. 
Samuel lived in Manchester many years, as the buyer for the firm, when 
Timothy Wiggin did also, who bought for Benjamin & Timothy Wiggm in 
Boston, and afterwards succeeded to the business of Timothy Williams, in 



4 Tin; ARii^r.'n.ii \( V oi.- boston. 

London. On S;imuel Apj)leton'a letuin to Boston, '* wanting a good house- 
keejjer," he married Mrs. Gore, widow of John Gore, a former hardwaie im- 
})()iter, and nephew of Gov, Christopher Gore. Mrs. G. kept a select boarding- 
ifiou.se in High -street. He invested largely in the Lowell and other manufac- 
turing establishments. He has a clear heaci, large heart, but not free ut- 
terance. 

Nathan managed the business in ])Oston. Like other importing houses, 
forty-five years ago, they often shipped pot and pearl ashes to Liverpool. Ther, 
the jiacket ships went but twice a year, for spring and fall goods. One of these 
ships, commanded by little Andrew Scott, who afterwards commanded the 
Governor Stiong, owned by LeRoy, Bayard & McEvers, of New-York, made 
the passages of two successive voyages to Jjiverpool and back, in 33 and 34 
days : that is, four passages in 67 days, — little less than steam ! 

Nathan took an active part with Francis C. Lowell, Patrick T. Jackson, 
Paul Moody and others, in establishing the cotton manufactory at Waltham, 
and was one of the associates in the first purchase at Lowell. He has been a 
member of Congress, but declined re-election, and many years a Director of 
the Boston Bank. His tastes are retiring and literary. 

It should be mentioned, to the credit of Samuel Appleton, that he com 
menced life with a single fourpeiice halfpenny, ])aid to him by a drover who 
passed his father's house, for his assistance in driving. He afterwards went to 
iVlaiiie, and worked as a common laborer. He is without children — Nathar 
has several. One of his daughters married a son of Sir James Mcintosh, and 
another the poet Longfellow. A nephew is married to the only daughter of 
Daniel Webster. 

APPLETON, WILLIAM, is a nephew or cousin of S. & N. He first ap- 
peared in Boston as a clerk and buyer of goods for a country store in New- 
Hampshire. He was afterwards an importer of British dry goods, with J. W. 
Paio-e. His investments in manufactories have been very successful, as well a>^ 
his operallons in the Canton trade. In spite of feeble health as a dyspeptic. 
he has shown great energy and perseverance. His percepliows are very 
quick, and his judgment sound and upright. He has been zealous for the 
prosperity of the Episcopal Chuich, and was one of the founders of St. Paul's, 
and has recently made an ample donation to advance the education of clergy- 
men in tiie Church. He married a daughter of " good " Jonathan Amory. 

APTHORP, JOHN T. For many years President of the Suffolk Insurance 
Office and the Boston Bank. Married a daughter of the late William Foster. 
He is of courteous manners — and, like many other gentlemen, derived his title 
of Colonel from having commanded the Cadets. It has been generally sup- 
posed that he held the two offices as President throuc^h family influence and 
warm personal friendship, and not his own wealth. He has saved and inherited 
money. Harrison Gray Otis and he married sisters. 

ARMSTRONG, SAMUEL T. Bred a printer with Samuel Etheridge. 
of Charlestown. Married a daughter of Col. Timothy Walker, a wealthy 
packer of beef in that town. He kept a book-store in Cornhill, and printed 
for the Andover Theological Institution. He has been Mayor of Boston, ana 
Lieutenant-Governor. 

Mr. Etheridge was afterwards of the firm of Hastings, Etheridge & Bliss- 
Jonathan Hastings, the old postmaster, and Elam Bliss, now- of New-York. 

ATKINS, BENJAMIN, of the firm of Hny & Atkins, for many year? 
industrious, saving, and thriving crockery-dealers in South lunv, next the 
Old South. Joseph Hay, the pattern of a polite shop-keeper. 

AUSTIN, -SAMUEL, Jun. Son of an old Clerk in the State-House — 
who was brother of a good old ship-bread baker at the North-End. Formerly 



TOR ARISTOCRACy Of BOSTON. 6 

partner with Capt. Joseph W. Lewis, brother of Winslow Levis, the liglit- 
house man. They were the agents of the first line of Boston and Liverpool 
packets — the Topaz, Amethyst, and Emerald — established with great difficulty, 
by a joint stock company, in 1818 — 19, and soon given up. The ships could 
not be tlieu filled from Boston. 

AUSTIN, JAMES T. Son-in-law (and author of the life of) Elbridge 
Gerry, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence ; afterwards 
Governor of Maasachusetls, and Vice-PioBident of the United States. 

Mr. Austin has been City-Attorney and Attorney-General of Massachusetts. 
He was long an ardent politician and orator of the Republican Party. He is 
a nephew of the famous old " Ben Austin," who used to edit the Chronicle, 
one of the great guns of Democracy in the times of Jefferson and Adams. 

BALDVVIN, AARON. President of the Washifigton Bank. Married a 
sister of Philip Marrett, President of the New-England Hank. 

Mr. B. was long a safe and successful commission merchant on India Wharf, 
and dealt very exterisively in molasses. He is a native of Milton. 

BALLARD, JOHN. For many years kept a carpet-store at the corner of 
School and Marlborough-streets. His father kept a livery-stable. A sister 
married Thomas Carter, an Englishman — formerly Jackson & Carter, owners 
of the ship Warrington, in the Liverpool trade, and large importers of hats. 

BANCROFT, GEORGE. Sen of the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bancroft, of Wor- 
cester, a Unitarian. Having finished his studies at Cambridge, he went to 
Gottingen to pursue them further. On his return, he preached, and was a 
Unitarian; then, associated with Mr. John G. Cogswell, established a school 
at Round Hill, near Northampton, Mass., intended to embrace a wide course 
of instruction, including gymnastics. He did not succeed. He has since been 
Professor at Cambridge, and distinguished as an author, chiefly on American 
history, and as a Democratic politician ; a Collector of Boston, Secretary of 
the Navy, and now Minister to Great Britain. He married first into the 
wealthy Dwight family of Springfield, and since to the widow Bliss, also with 
a fortune. 

Mr. Cogswell is now employed by John Jacob Astor, to collect and arrange 
his great library. 

BANGS, BENJAMIN. Formerly an importerof dry goods in Court-street, 
where he succeeded Andrew Homer ; then of Bangs & Bradford, in Broad- 
street; then in navigation, (sometimes with the late Seth Knowles, who mar- 
ried a daughter of Matthew Bridge, of Charlestown,) principally to South 
Amt^rica. 

BARTLETT, JAMES. Began as a hired truckman to Samuel Harrison, 
brother of James Harrison, first of Harrison & Hall, then Harrison & Wilby. 
He had no means, but succeeded to Harrison's business by the aid of the latter 
tlrm. He united dealing in coals with his trucking, and then inveisted in a 
wharf at the North End, in Lynn-street. 

BARTLETT, SIDNEY. A lawyer from the Old Colnny. Formerly 
partner with Lemuel Shaw, now Chief Justice — and a leading practitioner. 

BARTLETT, THOMAS, A retired druggist of long high standing in 
Cornhill, near State street, at the sign of the " Good Samaritan." One of 
the few in whom physicians and the public had great confidence — and a gen- 
tleman. 

BASSETT, FRANCIS. Studied law with Timothy Bigelow. Has been 
Member of the State Legislature and Clerk of the U. S. District and Circuit 
Courts, He is a bachelor. 

BA'I'ES, JOHN D. Son of a ship-master and merchant, late of Concord, 
delated to Joshua Bates, of Barings' house, London, [see Wm. Gray.] Du- 



6 THK ARI3TOCRA01 i^? BOSTON. 

ring his minority, he served several years with a heavy mercantile house in 
Europe. 

BELKNAP, JOHN. Son of the late Dr. Belknap, minister of Federal-st. 
Church, before Dr. Channing, and historian of New J^ampshire. Professor 
McKean, who succeeded John Quincy Adams at Cambridge, preached there 
also, immediately before Dr. Channing, in the old church, before the preserit 
was built. Mr. Ijelknap was always one of Boston's retiring, prudent, '-snug," 
and honorable men, principally in the Calcutta trade, not largely at once. Un- 
fortunately his eye-sight lias been impaired. He derived benefit from the sci' 
entilic skill of Dr. Elliot, the celebrated oculist of New-York. His brotlier 
Jeremiah was partner of a house in MarseilleSj and embarked in a granite 
quarry at Quincy, that furnished the stone for the present New-York Ex- 
change, under the direction of that deserving architect, Solomon Willard, who 
was also tlic architect of the Bunker Hill Monument. 

BELL, JOSEPH. From Haverhill, N. H., where he acquired his fortune. 
He and Kufus Choate married sisters of the family of Olcott, of Hanover. 
He has been a member of the Legislature. 

BIGELOW, JACOB. A respectable physician, and son of a clergyman in 
Sudbury, — once Rumford Professor in Harvard, — now Professor of Materia 
Medica in the Medical College. When Dr. James Jackson retired from active 
practice, he recom.mended Dr. Bigelow to many families. He has published 
on botany. Under a demure, almost bashful exterior, he possesses great 
shrewdness and dry humoi' — it was " human nature," for him to parody "the 
ode to the passions." 

BINNE Y, AMOS. Son of the late Col. Amos Binney, one of the few na- 
tives of Hull, forty years ago, kept a small retail grocery in Salem or Hull- 
8t., and then at the lower end of Long Wharf He was a man of enterprise, 
great sagacity, and a decided democrat, and leading man with the Methodists. 
He was appointed Navy Agent, during the war of 1812, when the government 
was straitened for means, treasury notes at twenty-five per cent, discount. He 
exerted himself with energy and success, to fit out the U. S. ships of war- 
He was one of the founders of the New England Glass Company, at Lech- 
nure Point, from his intimacy with Daniel and Joseph S. Hastings, and Derning 
Jarvis, and influenced E. & A. Winchester to build there extensive provision 
and soap and candle works near the glass works. Cragie's Bridge followed 
their improvements. Andrew Cragie was a large holder of Yazoo scrip, but 
derived little benefit from the government appropriation for its partial payment. 
He was Jorccd to meet payments at the Boston Bank, his endorsers buying the 
scrip as sold at auction, for one-third its ultimate value. 

BINNEY, JOHN, kept a ship chandlery and grocery on Long Wharf, 

The present Mr. Binney married John's daughter. May his taste for natural 
science be devoted with his father's zeal for the benefit of his country, and his 
wealth used with his father's judicious benevolence ! 

BLAKE, SARAH. Widow of Edward Blake, till the war of 1812 a large 
importer of British dry goods, in State-st. — then in the commission business 
with Isaac McLellan, as Blake and McLellan — on Mr. Blake's death, McLellan 
& Chadwick, (see Ebenezer Chadwick.) Mrs. Blake is one of the two daugh- 
ters of Samuel Parkman, by his first wife. Edward Tuckerman married the other. 

BLAKE, MRS. Widow of Joshua, brother of George, the late U, S. Dis- 
trict Attorney. Joshua was a captain in David Hinckley's employ, in the Medi- 
terranean, and made money in it. After quitting the sea, he continued in 
the Sicily, and embarked in the Calcutta trade. Francis Stanton, one of the 
" Algerines," (see George Hallet) his brother-in-law, who died a bachelor, 
and whose wealth fell mostly to Mrs. Blake, was often concerned with him. 



lilll 4.RISTOCKACY OF BOSTON. 



BLAKE, GEORGE, was nppointed U. S. Dlsuict AlUn-ney '0/ President 
Jefferson, and lield that office till removed by Gen. Jackson. He was an ardent 
republican in. .Funtiiil Hall, but iii.t a ready speaker. Afler the choice of Mr. 
Adams, liis republicanism grew cold ; in fact, he was constitutionally afllicted 
with chills. In a barber's shop he dolfed more clothes than was ever done by 
any actor in playing the grave-digger in Hamlet. He w^as a patron of the 
theatre, and a crony of Cooke, &c. 

BLAKE, FRANCIS, another brother, a lawyer in Worcester, died young, 
in public life, a federalist, who gave promise of much higher talent than Oeorge 
possessed. 

BOIES, JEREMUH SMITH. First a paper, and then a cotton manufac- 
turer, above Milton Bridge, — a venerable and respected gentleman of the old 
school, and a thorough business man, aged nearly ninety, 

John Bussey, his near neighbor, and father of Captain Bussey, in the Liver- 
pool, and brother of the wealthy Benjamin of Boston, deserves equally to be 
remembered. 

•BORDMAN, WM. H., the late, was of the firm of Bordman & Pope, on 
India Wharf [see Pope, Pascal P.,] engaged in the North West, and Canton 
trade, — a very large private underwriter. His accomplished and celebrated 
daughter married H. G, Otis, Jr. 

BORDMAN, WILLIAM, had, I think, but one child, who married Wm. 
Lawrence. 

BORDMAN, LYDIA. Widow of William Bordman, who lived in Han- 
over-st., in the house standing back to back with the Codman estate, afterwards 
Earfs Coftee House. He removed thence into Hancock-st. 

He was originally a hatter, and was commonly called " Black Bill Bordrnan," 
from having been engaged, as was said, in the trade in blacks. 

BORLAND, JOHN, began life as one of the firm ofOlTver, Borland & Ab- 
bot, auctioneers, in Kilby-street, and then on Central Wharf, including general 
commissions — inherited a fortune from his uncle, James Lloyd ; chosen senator 
from Massachusetts, after John Quincy Adams resigned. Among other Eng- 
lish agencies, Mr. Lloyd had that of S. Smith Clapham &Eastburn, of Leeds. 
Mr. James Saslburr) was afterwards of the firm of Eastburn, Kirk & Co., ex- 
tensive publishers in New-York. He was well read, especially in Theology, 
and a liberal Methodist. 

Bishop Eastburn is his son. Another son died soon after graduating ; he 
had given promise of great talent. 

BOURNE, EZRA A., from Sandwich, Cape Cod, was first in the crockery 
trade with William Wood — afterwards W. & T, N. Wood. Mr. Bourne was 
attacked with bleeding at the lungs, and travelled south — rode much on horse- 
back in the upper part of Georgia, and recovered his health. He then kept a 
crockery store No. 1 South Row. He lived with his mother, in a small house, 
near Dr. Lowells' church, of which he was a member, in Staniford-street, and 
inherited a small property. On the death of William Ward, he was chosen 
president of the State Bank. Late in life, he married the widow of Charles 
Thorndike. He was always quick, careful in every thing, and highly 
honorable. 

BOWDITCH, NATHANIEL L. Son of the late Dr. Nath. Bowditch, 
the celebrated mathematician, — translator of La Place's great work, " La Me- 
canique Celeste," — -more extensively and practically useful, as the corrector of 
the tables in Blunt's Navigator. He had been many years president of an 
insurance office in Salem, and reluctantly removed to Boston, to become presi- 
dent of the Life Insurance Company, at a salary of $5000 per annum. Eben, 
Francis was said to have had great influence in promoting this wise step, proper 



THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON'. 



tables fitr rstimnting tho value of human life being yet hardly formed, and the 
uhole subject of annuities imperfectly understood, 

Nr. N. L. Bowditch married a daughter of Eben. Francis, and is well 
versed in real estate practice. 

BRADFORD, CHARLES F., <if the firm of Charles Honier & Co., for- 
merly Homes & Homer, largely in hardware, for many years in Union-street, — 
first Henry Homes, — Homer first clerk, then partner. Mr. Homes was an or- 
ihndox congregationalist, of most extensive christian benevolence. His chari- 
ties and kindness ;ilways ready, and liberally in amount fur every good object. 
Mr. Homer was greatly respected. 

BRADLEE, JOSIAH. Son of a Boston tinman. His valuable commission 
business has been principally from the heavy Salem India houses, and from 
Nantucket and New Bedford, in oil aiiH sperm candles. His seccnid wife was 
Miss Frothingham, sister of the Rev. Nath'l. P'rothingham, and daughter of 
Kben. Froihingham, who kept a small crockery store in Marshall'.s Lane, ten- 
ded mainly by ids brother-in-law, old Mr. Langdon, "neat as a pink;" — in tho 
errai'ds, the future clergyman, the present Dr. F., used to assist. Mr. F. was 
very proud of his boy, who distinguished himself in the public schools, and by 
the aid of Tlieophilus Parsons, Samuel Dexter, and others, he was sent to 
Cambridge. 

Zcrah Colburn appeared in Boston about that time, and the same gentleman 
made great offers to his father, to give him up to be educated, but in vain ; he 
was bent upon taking him to England for a show. 

Mrs. Bradlee (Miss Frothingham) was secretary or Treasurer for the Howard 
Asylum for Lidigent Boys, in 1804 or 1805. 

Joseph P. Bradlee, Josiah's brother, united the oil and tin business in But- 
ler's Row. 

BRADLEE, JAMES BOWDOIN, son of Jo.siah, married a daughter of 
rich Perrin May, an old south-ender, and crony of Joshua Davis, Josiah 
Knapp, and others. Mrs. Glass would have immortalized their fish, dipped in 
Indian meal, fried, or rather boiled, in salt pork fat, " browned, and done to a 
wabble." — But it was at supper ! O, whist, whist ! 

BRADLEE, JOHN W. Surviving partner of Thomas D. & J. W. Brad- 
lee, long in tho wholesale liquor business at the corner of Flag-alley, in the 
" ■Bite."'' 

Thomas D., in addition to this business, bought many notes — and kept his 
money rolling very carefully and snugly until his only daughter was married 
to Col. Wm. P. Winchester — which marriage he liked so well, that he gave 
fchem his money very freely, and left them more than half a million. [See 
Winchester ] 

BRADLEE, SAMUEL. Long a snug, quiet, hard-ware man, in South-row, 
(in the sti-eet, or next it, where Gen. John Winslow formerly kept,) iron cast- 
ings, &c. 

Gen. Winslow failed on Christmas Day, 1810, when the old U. S. Bank 
began to pull in hard, in consequence of endorsements for Barker & Bridge, 
auctioneers in Kilby-street, corner of Doane, where B. & C. Adams and 
Elisha Parks afterwards kept— T. K. .Tones & Co. being on the opposite cor- 
ner of Doane-stieet. 

Barker & Bridge were once partners with Robert G. Shaw, as Shaw, Bar- 
ber & Bridge, in State-street, nearly opposite Kilby-street. 

Gen. .John Peabody made a great crash at Newburypor't. at the same time. 
BREWER, THOMAS. Formerly of Stone & Brewer. ci<)ckery-ware 
merchants, in Salem. His wife is sister to Stone, and of charming address. 
They dissolved — Brewer continuing the business. Stone went into the distilling 



THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. y 

business — and became celebrated by bis controversy with, and successful pro- 
secution of, the Rev. Mr. (now Dr.) Cheever, of New York. Brewer did not 
succeed ; and was hired to remove to Boston, by Harrison & Wilby, to keep 
their retail shop at the corner of Franklin & Washington (then Marlboro) street^ 
wbere John McFarlane had kept, and since Collamore & Churchill. He then 
opened a cheap dry-goods' shop in Washington-street, near Boylston-market ; 
then a disiilier ; speculated, lost much, an 1 regained by the aid of his son. 

BREWER, GARDINER. Son of Thomas, and brother of Dr. Thos .M., 
one of rhe editors and j)roprietors of the Boston " Atlas." Has been a distiller 
with his father ; but now of Sayles, Merriam & Brewer, wholesale domestic 
goods. 

BRIMMER. MARTIN. (Late Mayor.) Nephew of the late good old 
Andrew, who lived hospitably at Atkinson-street, entertaining many of his old 
English connexions. He left an ample fortune to Martin. 

BROOKS, PETER C. The richest man in New England A native of 
fsorth Yarmouth, Me. Related to the late Gov. Brooks — the Colonel Brooks 
of the Revolution. 

Mr. B. married a daughter of Nathaniel Gorham, of Charlestown, brother of 
Stephen Gorham, associated with Phelps in Genesee and Holland Land pur. 
chases in the State of New Vork. 

He kept a private insurance office in the same building with the " Bunch of 
Gra[)es," at the corner of State and Kilby-streets, where the New England 
Bank is. Crowell Hatch, of Jamaica Plains — of imputefl " Black-Bird " memo- 
ry, (the slang term of the day for slave-trading — Barnabas Hedge, of Plymouth- 
Benjamin P. Homer and Adam Babcock, who lived near or on parf of the 
site of the present Treinont House. 

Mr. Brooks was watchful of the value of outstanding risks, claims, and 
accounts. Heavy balances were often left in his hands. He purchased 
accounts — that is. all the outstanding interests of parties who might wish to 
close up — or where deaths would make it important to settle estates. Tuthill 
Hubbard's books were said to have given him a large sum. 

His savings were always very carefully invested. Security before large 
profit. He would take mortgages when few capitalists would touch them, 
on account of the long term of the equity of redemption — then three years. 

He was afterwards President of the New England Insurance Office, at the 
corner of Exchange and State-streets — the New England Bank then below. 
This was always a quiet, business office — very unlike the gossiping Fire and 
Marine. Ozias Goodwin and John Holland — two old, worthy, retired ship- 
masters and intimate friends —leading Directors. 

His town house is at the corner of Atkinson and Purchase-streets, near 
Russia Wharf; his country seat, in Medford, where, in summer, he was a 
regular attendant and admirer of the late Dr. Osgood. 

Mr. Brooks has four sons and three daughters. One of his daughters mar- 
ried Edward Everett : another, Chas. F. Adams, son of John Quincy Adams; 
and the thiid, Rev. Dr. Frothingham. One of his sons is a merchant in New 
York, and is very wealthy. 

BRYaNT, JOHN — Of Bryant & Sturges — who betjan business nearly 
forty years ago, after they had been to China and the North- West Coast, as 
supercargoes for Theodore Lyman and J. & T. H. Perkins. Mr. Bryant has 
always been the desk man. They opened their first Canton goods in Codman's 
store, LindelTs lane. 

BflMSTEAD. JOHN— Of Trott & Bumstead— formerly importers of Brit- 
ish dry goods, in Cornhill ; near Dr. Bartlett, then in State-street, near Boot & 
Pratt. Since in masiufactures. Mr. Bumstead inherited a good property from 



10 THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 

his father, Deacon Josiah Bizmstead. His mother was sister of the late Gover- 
nor f^ore. 

BURROUGHS, GEORGE. Many years Cashier of the Union Bank— when 
Oliver Wendell, Samuel Brown, and Thomas L. \Vinthrop were Presidents 
thereof. 

BRA,Y, MiT.s. — Widow of Mr. Bray, an Englishman, formerly of the firm of 
Bray & Boit, India Wharf. She is a daughter of the late Samuel Eliot, and 
inherited her property from him. 

CABOT, HENRY. Only son of the late George Cabot. President of the 
Branch of the first U. S. Bank in Boston, until its charter expired ; of the 
Boston Insurance Office ; and of the Hartford Convention. Once U. S. Sena- 
tor from Massachusetts. Aaron Burr then said of him, that "he never spoke, 
but light followed him." 

Such a man could not be without great influence in trade and politics. Hi'* 
opinions were often required and deferred to on marine insurance and mercai:- 
tile questions of importance. The State Courts were tied up by rules of lav/, 
and arbitrations were much resorted to for want of equity jurisdiction. His 
unquestioned integrity and independence gave confidence in the decisions of 
his clear and sound niind. He began life as a sailor, (like a true descendant 
of the Cabots, the first discoverers of the continent of North America,) from 
Beverly. 

A beautiful and discriminaiing sketch of his character was given in a sermon 
preached on his death by President Kirkland, at the church in Summer-street, 
where he had worshipped. A few copies only were printed, and given among 
his friends. 

President Kirkland married a daughter, who accompanied him in his voyage 
•up the Mediterranean and in his travels in Egypt, &c. 

Henry studied law, and opened an office in Pemberton Hill, near Charlea 
Jackson's and Eben. Gay's, with great advantage and influence — he, among 
others, as attorney to the Branch Bank. He had the reputation of great 
natural talent. But, lighter pursuits were more to his taste. He became a 
walking broker in State-street, in large operations. His principal resort, the 
Suff"olk Office. 

He inherited his father's wealth — not large — and he added to it by invest- 
ments in manufactures. 

The sight of one eye was injured, some years ago, by the bursting of a gun, 
while shooting woodcock — to which sport he and John W. Boott were devoted. 

CABOT, SAIMUEL. Son of the late Andrew, brother of George above. 
Married a daughter of Thomas H. Perkins, and was admitted a partner of that 
firm. Mrs. Follen, the authoress, (widow of the late celebrated Dr. Follen,) 
is a sister of Samuel. 

CAINS, THOMAS. Began the glass-making business, in a small way, at 
South Boston. He was indefatigable in introducing his goods, by carrying 
round samples himself among the dealers. 

CART WRIGHT, CHARLES H. President of the Marine Insurance Co, 
Formerly of Cartv/right & Mitchell, commission business, principally from 
Nantucket. 

CARY^ GEORGE B.— Of Josiah Bradlee & Co., after having been a clerk 
with Mr. Bradlee. Son of Mr. Gary, Chelsea, a retired merchant of former 
eminence. He lived in a brick house about two miles from Chelsea bridge — a 
eolitary house, without tree or neighbor — on the north side of Salem turnpike. 

GARY, THOMAS G. The brother of George. Studied law with Deacon 
(afterwards Judge) Peter Oxenbridge Thacher, son of Dr. Thacher, of Brattle- 
Btreet Church. While at the bar, the Deacon was a frequent — not popular — 



THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. ll 

spoiK6i at Faneuil Hall, about on the same level with Alexander Townsend 
and other federal aspirants. 

Mr. Gary married a daughter of Thomas H. Perkins, and "got out stone" 
at a quarry in Quincy — influenced, probably, by the money of Col. Perkins. 
The quarry was bought, and a rail-road from it to the landing built. The stone 
for Bunker-Hill Monument was given by Col. Perkins fiom this quarry. 

IMr. Cary was long a long cadet, and a great marcher — as proved by his 
daily walks from and to Chelsea. 

CHADWICK. EBENEZER— From Portland. First of the firm of Ro- 
bert Elwell & Co., who did a large eastern business, when t)ie McLellacs, 
of Portland, and Abiel Wood, of Wiscasset, flourished. Elwell & Co. suffered 
heavily by returned bills in embargo times. Was then of McLellan & Chad- 
wick. Isaac MoLellan, from Bath — late Blake & McLellan — [See Blake, 
Sarah,] married a daughter of John Coffin Jones, by whom he had property. 
Became agent for the Merrimack Co., for the purchase and transmission of 
cotton. Has invested in manufacturing stock. 

CHAPMAN, HENRY, A retired ship-chandler. Late Chapman & Wain- 
wright. 

Chapr/ian rnanied a Green, and is father-in-law of Maria Chapman, the 
abolitionist. 

Mr. Wamwrighi is a son of Henry Wainwright, (of Wainwright & Jackson, 
crockery-ware merchants, in Exchange-street ;) an excellent Englishman ; 
many years Treasurer of the British Charitable Society ; and unfortunately 
drowned while bathing in Charles River, Cambridge. 

Samuel StJUman Gai (many years an intelligent supercargo out of Boston — 
late the managing partner of the house of Baring, Brothers & Co.. of Liver- 
pool,) married a daughter of this Henry. 

Rev. Dr. Wainwright, of New York, is a nephew. 

The family is of Lancashire origin, and related to that of the celebrated 
organist and musician, Dr. Wainwright, whose contest on the organ at Hall- 
fax, with the great astronomer Herschell, when a youth, is well known. 

CLARK, BEN.JAMIN C, Commission merchant. Commercial Wharf. 
A worthy son of a most industrious father — John Clark — long a tinman in 
Marshall's-lane, 

CODMAN, JOHN, Rev., D. D. Son of John— formerly of John & Stephen 
Codman, once extensive merchants in Codman's Wharf (since swallowed or 
filled up by the new market,) and Market-street. 

D\\ Codman inherited his property from his father, who lived in Paris at the 
period of some of the great changes in France. Wm. Vans, then in Paris also, 
had large dealings with him, and tried afterwards, without effect, to establlelii 
claims against his estate in Boston. They were barred by the statute. 

The doctor has been zealously Calvinistic ; and his settlement in Dorches- 
ter — making division in the old parish of Dr. Harris — caused fierce and dis- 
graceful disputes. 

The doctor's house and grounds are fine, and his living generous and hospi- 
table. Sir Walter Scott would have taken him for an abbot, rather than a 
descendant of one of Cromwell's puritans. 

The estate in Hanover-street, once Earl's Coffee-House, was John Co<!- 
man's dwelling-house. 

Dr. Codman has recently deceased. 

CODMAN, CHARLES RUSSELL, Brother of John Has done little 
business, Formerly, now and then an underwriter. Inherited a good real 
estate from his father, much of it in Kilby-street and Lindell's-lane, and affecte 
the *'haui ion''' 



12 THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 

Another brotlier, who had a surpassing bass voice, and sang in the Handel 
and Haydn Society, died many years <igo. 

COUM AN, HENRY. Son of Stephen, above named. Studied law. His 
steady, cool, faithful, and judicious qualities, brought upon him many officer 
of trust. He is, and has long been, the patron friend of Lucius Manlius Sar- 
gent : they "■ chum^' together. 

He married the only daughter of the late John Amory — whose commodious, 
old-fashioned town linuse, was on Washington-street, the garden running to 
she rear of St Paul's Church. One of the last remnants of the sickle pear wan 
in it. His country house, as old-fashioned and comfortable, was in Koxburv. 

"Amory Hall" was named after Mr. John Amory. 

Stephen Codman was, for many years, conspicuous as a politician. To 
preside at the meetings in Faneuil Hall, " Stephen Codman !" was always 
Ben. Russell's first shout — and it never failed. If Mr Codman were not there, 
" Col. Messenger?" was Ben's second call. Then for the lug of eloquence — 
Thacher — Savage — Townsend — Harry Otis, and " the music of the axe and 
the hammer," the loss of which was sadly deplore<l during the embargo — 
William Sullivan, with his pleasing and persuasive tones — Christopher Gore, 
too pompous and formal for effect — and Samuel Dexter and John Lowell, 
rarely, but with wondrous and convincing power. 

When Dexter opposed and declared off from some proposed measure of the 
Federal Party, during the war of 1S12, the whole crammed Hall were aghast ? 
When Otis replied, the charm of his eloquence was broken ; he had little 
ptiwer, and his audience no sympathy. 

Samuel Dexter ceased to be a party man. He became not only ^' ah?iost" 
but ''altogether''^ an American; he had no bonds to '^ except." 

Josiah Quincy spoke often, when at home, but without effect. He foamed 
and frothed. 

Ben. Russell was of that class. Like old Gov. Y. Wright, (of Maryland,) 
in Congress, who said be was made up of "gin cocktail, whiskey, and Demo- 
cracy," Ben's face got as red as a turkey-cock's throttles; he got too full for 
utterance. 

B_>nj. Pollard, (afterwards street inspector,) was a favorite. 

Judge Dawes was always heard with welcome. "Little Tommy's lisp," 
dry humor, jokes, and ^sop-like tales, always put to the purpose, produced 
many a rcjar and loud hurrah. Moffet spoiled him. 

But, after all, Otis was the master popular speaker, and could not fail to 
charm the most fastidious. 

At times there were speakers on the " Republican" side, but not at strictly 
party caucuses. It is a New York (not a Boston) fashion, for one party to 
break up the party-meeting of another. 

After Charles Jervis' death, the Republican Party had little speaking talent. 
Old Benj. Austin, Geoige Blake, James F. Austin, Eben. Clough, and " Old 
Adams,'" the wire-sieve mender, were nearly all. 

If ever an object of contempt deserved pity, James T. Austin did, in Web- 
ster's first reply to him, in old Faneuil. He was torn limb from limb, and hung 
up piecemeal — dangling — the scorn of all. 

On one occasion, 1810 or 1811 — the era of good feelings — the two parties 
dined together on the 4th of July. Twelve hundred in that noble hall ! 

Benj. Austin was the principal writer in the " Independent Chronicle," and 
Hved in an old fashioned frame house at the corner of Hancock and Cambridge- 
etreets. 

When Cook first played lago at the Federal-street Theatre, he denounced 
^he play — OtheUo's black love being likely to corrupt American daughters ! 



THE ARISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. 



1^ 



COOKE, JOSIAH P. A lawyer, from Keene, N. H., who has been, for a 
lonjT time, faithful and diligent ; and, what rarely happens in his profession, 
as the world says, " of i'ew words, and modest." 
^ COOLIDGE, JOSEPH In tlie China trade. Grandson of Joseph Cool- 
idge, first a goldsmith, then in partnership with Samuel Parkman. Lived in 
the huuse west corner of Bowdoin and Cambridge-streets. Joseph, his son, 
lived on the entrance from Court-street to that oddly named West Boston 
Square, next to Fulham's stable and dwelling-house. The house was once 
kept as a boarding-house by Mr. Bond, once a broker in Flag-alley, just out 
of State-street, — George Bond's father, (late of Whitwell, Bond & Co., the 
old Games' house.) 

CORDIS, THOMAS. Formerly of Bellows, Cordis & Jones, importers of 
British dry goods. When Thomas Gushing failed in the hardware business 
with Charles Scudder, Cordis slid into it, by providing capital for Scudder. 

John Bellows, (of Bellows, Cordis & Jones,) was afterwards President of 
the Manufacturers' and Mechanics' Bank. 

The Rev. H. W. Bellows — a Unitarian minister in New York — is his <!on. 
John Bellows had a brother, of the firm of Bellows & Gates, in Montreal; 
afterwards Horatio Gates & Co., (or nephew,) who did a heavy American busi- 
ness in ashes, exchange, and specie. 

CROCKETT, GEORGE W. Formerly of the firm of Crockett, Seaver 
& Co. — established by Whitney, Cutler & Hammond, in the West India goods 
business. 

Seaver is a brother of Benj. Seaver, of the then firm of Whitwell, Bond 
& Co., (now Whitwell & Seaver.) 

CROVVNINSHIELD, BENJAMIN H. Was wealthy in Salem before the 
war of 1812. Was successful in privateering — a leading Democrat — and once 
Secretary of the Navy. 

CRAFT, EDWARD. Long in the Russia and Swedish trade, on Han- 
cock's Wharf — near Wm. Parsons, a very different kind of man. 

He bought the house in Pearl-street, formerly owned and occupied by Chief- 
Jcstice Parsons, and afterwards by Mrs. Brown, as a boarding-house— the 
celebrated Mrs. Brown, who had kept the house over the Fire and Maiine 
Insurance Office. This house was resorted to by Barnabas Hedge, of Plymouth, 
an extensive merchant, ship-owner, and underwriter, of Plymouth ; Dr. Na- 
thaniel Haven, of Portsmouth, and John his brother, (father of the Havens in 
New York ;) Reuel Williams, late U. S. Senator from Maine ; Isaac Adams, 
of Portland; besides resident city boarders — among others, Wm. B. Smith 
and Oliver Putnam, who left nearly one hundred thousand dollars for the 
public schools in Nevvburvport. G(jod whist was played there. 

CUNNINGHAM, AN DREW and CHARLES. Brothers— partners. Sons 
of the late Andrew Cunningham, long Secretary of the Mass. Mutual Insurance 
Office — tlien the only office of the kind. A most worthy Bostonian. 

CURTIS. CHARLES P. A kind and good lawyer. Studied with William 
Pullman. Son of Thomas Curtis, for.nierly Loring & Curtis, merchants and 
underwriters. 

CURTIS, THOMAS B. Brother of Charles. Of Curtis & Greenough, 
m the Russia trade. When in the U. S. Navy — a midshipman — he was in 
the action of the Chesapeake and Shannon. 

CUSHING, JOHN P. Made his fortune in Canton, in connexion with 
James and Thomas H. Perkins. On his return, he married the only and 
worthy daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Gardiner, of Tiinity Church. 

His house at Watertown is built to cofnbine comfort with eleixance— beiner 



14 THE ARISTOCRACY OP BOSTON 

double ; a hoube within a house — to be warm and cooL The best houses 
in New York were examined, for any thing that might improve, in ornament 
or use, on what was known in Boston. His spacious and elegant grounds ar« 
ypen to the public. He is liberal to those he employs. 

When the assessors of Watertown called upon him to know on what &urrt 
h& should be taxed, he asked what was the whole amount of the tax to be 
raised. The answer being given, he told them to charge the whole amount 
to him. 

GUSHING, THOMAS P. Son of the Rev. John Gushing, of Ashburn- 
ham, (formerly of the firm of Tuckerman, Rogers & Gushing, large importer,^ 
of British dry goods, and lately of the firm of Gushing & Wilkinson.) He is 
a man of influence in bank, insurance, and rail-road operations, being cautious 
and sagacious. 

CUTLER, PLINY. From Brookfield. (Formerly of the firm of Whitney, 
Cutler & Hammond, the most extensive wholesale grocers in the city, at the 
corner of Broad and Gentral-streets.) They were of the "Algerines/' 

Mr. Cutler is a zealous orthodox Congregationalist, and commendable for 
many good and charitable deeds and judicious management. 

DANA, SAMUEL. (Late Dana & Fenno, stock and exchange brokers.) 
Married the only daughter of the late Edmund Winchester. [See Winchester.] 

DA.LTON, PETER ROE. Son of the Cashier of the old U. S. Branch 
Bank, in the building afterwards bought by the State Bank. Mr. Dalton was 
of the firm of Richard D. Tucker & Co., a respectable commission house on 
India-street, for many years. 

Mr. Tucker was formerly partner of Rufus Davenport — Davenport & Tucker„ 

James Dalton, Cashier of the Man. and Mech. Bank, (formerly Athert?)n & 
Dalton, importers of British dry goods, is another brother.) 

Henry Dalton, Secretary of the Providence Rail-Road, another. 

DAVIS, JAMES. An industrious and worthy coppersmith in Union-street, 
who deserves and has earned every dollar he is worth. Go from his old stand 
a few steps to Hanover-street, you come to the house where Franklin was 
bred, not born. The tallow-chandler's shop is turned into a bonnet store. 

DAVIS, JOHN. Late and long Judge of the TJ. S. District Court. He? 
died lately in a good old age, respected for his character and literature. He 
was from Plymouth, and editor of "Morton's Memorial." 

Mrs. VVm. Minot is one of his daughters. 

DAVIS, SAMUEL, From Newburyport, Long an importer and retailer 
of jewelry, military goods, and combs, until they were made in this country. 
He collected large quantities of horn tips for shipment to England. 

DERBY, RICHARD C. From Salem. An amateur, known as "Dickey 
Derby," in the Fine Arts, and very fond of music. Charles Matthews was 
** at homo" at his house. 

Mrs. Derby has long been celebrated for her beauty. 

DEXTER, FRANKLIN. A lawyer. U. S. District Attorney. Only son 
of the late Samuel Dexter, whom Franklin resembles. He is highly respected 
as a lawyer, a man, and man of taste. He married a daughter of the late 
.Judge Frescott, the father of the historian, and son of Col. Prescott, v/ho com- 
manded the troops at the battle of Bunker Hill. 

DIXON, THOMAS. Born in London. Son of a Scotchman. Came first 
f-o Boston as partner of the house of Van Baggen. Parker & Dixon, of Amster- 
dam, to get commission business to that house. He is a Dutch Consul. Has 
skill in music, and can play many droll tricks. He married the celebrated 
daughter of the late Benjamin P. Homer. 



THE ARISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. 15 

DORR, .TOHX. A retired merchant. Forriieily in the India and Northr 
West Coast Trade. His brother Joseph — a partner with whom he was con- 
cerned — a bachelor, lived abroad, fond of Paris and London. 

DRAPER, DANIEL. Formerly a victualler ; then of Draper & Hndsonp 
in the " l>ire," fruit and provision dealers, chiefly pork, and large lemon dealers. 

DVVIGirr, EDMUiND. From Springfield. Married a daughter of the late 
Samuel Eliot ; and has made large donations to carry out Horace Mann'a 
plan of nontial schools. 

Thirty-five years ago, James and Henry Dvvight, of Springfield, were pro- 
bably the most extensive country traders that came to Boston. They had stores 
in Northampton and otlier country towns. Their heavy goods went in sloops 
up the Connecticut River. As the younger branches of the family came for- 
ward, they spread. An impi^rting house was established in Boston. 

The beloved and lamented William H. Dwight was lost when the Albion 
was wrecked on the coast of Ireland. 

The Bank at Geneva, N. Y., was established by them. One of the family 
was President. 

Edmund has not toiled in the drudgery of active business. He is clear- 
headed, and sagacious in counsel. He always liked the Suffolk corner, to the 
annoyance, it has been said, of his father-in-law, who had given close, active 
attention to business. 

ELIOT, SAMUEL A. Son of the late Samuel Eliot. Studied divinity 
at Cambridge, but has not been ordained. Ex-mayor, and promoted useful 
reforms in the Fire Department. Like his late lamented brother, William H,, 
he is fond of music, and is President of the Boston Academy. He married a 
daughter of the late Theodore Lyman. 

William H. was the prime mover in building the Tremont House. He gave 
a great impulse to musical taste. He had heard Italian music in Italy, and 
had loved it, especially Rossini's, in its native language. The adaptations of 
Thompson, with their delightful poetry, had lost the charm of Rossini and 
Mozart. 

Samuel Eliot was a true Sir Oliver Oldschool — with cocked hat, breeches, 
open bosom, and large ruffle ; no cloak or over-coat in the coldest weather; 
and of stalely politeness. Sir Samuel ! — could it have been ! The value of 
wealth is little here. We cannot found a family. We have no law of entail. 
He little knew how many of his family were Nature s noblemen — and would 
receive more precious honors from their fellow citizens, than his wealth could 
confer upon them. Like other sensible men, he loved old wine, old books, 
and imported dry goods in the old store at the west corner of little old Wil- 
son's Lane, at the entrance to old Cornhill from Old Dock Square ; and died, 
the only American we have ever known who deplored the want of an aristo- 
cracy. He lived in Tremont-street, opposite the stone chapel, or King's Cha- 
pel, and had a good library. 

FAIRBANKS, STEPHEN. From Dedham. (Fairbanks, Loring & Co.. 
old hardware dealers, long in Union-street.) 

FALES, SAMUEL. Began a retailer of dry goods in Washington-street; 
then wholesale-man in dry goods ; and in the African trade with Samuel San- 
ford, (not slave trade ;) now President of the L^nion Bank. 

FAY, RICHARD S. Son of the Hon. S. P. P. Fay. Judge of Probate 
for Middlesex County, in which office he succeeded that corrupt Judge, James 
Prescott, of Groton, who was tried before the Legislature in 1816 — and broken, 
though defended by Daniel Webster, 

Richard S, has the confidence of several large corporations, and is their 
treasurer. 



16 THE AKISTOCRACV OF lioSiON. 

More than twenty years ago, Judge Fay co-operated with the late Abraham 
Bigelow — excellent gentleman ! — long Clerk of the Couits in MiddUsex Coun- 
ty — to renovate that beautiful E|)iscopal Chuich on Cambridge Common, (op- 
posite the Colleges,) after it had long been without worship, and in a state of 
utter delapidation. To their honor be it remembered, all the officers of the 
College, though Unitarian, contributed. 

FROTHINGHAM, SAMUEL. An experienced bank officer, fi)rmerly of 
the State Hank ; transferred to the late U. S. Branch ; now again in the 
State, as President. A great and deserved favorite with the late William 
Gray. 

FOSTER, JAMES H. Has dealt long, steadily, and quietly, in paper- 
hangings. A most worthy man. Connected by marriage with the family of 
John <o)uincy Adams. 

FRANCIS, EBENEZER. A shrewd and close financier. Long Presi- 
dent of the Suffolk Bank, and author of the deposit system that has conduced 
so much to preserve a sound currency to the New-England States. Aided 
greatly in the projects of the late Uriah Cutting. Married a daughter of the 
late Israel Thoindike. 

V GARDINER, WM. H. Son of the late Rev. Dr. Gardiner, of Trinity 
Church. He is a lawyer — of good talents, and amiable, gentlemanly manners. 
Married a daughter of Thomas H. Perkins. 

Dr. Gardiner was a man of talent — a good classical scholar — and a fine 
reader, when good readers were scarce. He was attached to the Episcopal 
Church; far from bigoted, and also free from cant and fanaticism. Ho had 
studied under that rare old Grecian and walking library — Dr. Parr. 

Dr. Doane — now Bishop of New Jersey — was assistant minister of Trinity 
until Dr. Gardiner's death, in England. 

Dr. Doane married the widow of James Perkins, Jun., the only child of 
James, (of the great house of Perkins,) with a large fortune. 

GARDNER, JOHN L. Son of the late S. P. Uardner, a merchant, origi- 
nally from Salem. .John L. married a daughter of the late .Joseph Peabody, 
of Salem, who became the most extensive merchant in that place after William 
Gray left it. John L. inlierited a large property from his father — and his 
wife's fortune must have been very large. He is a good merch.ant. 

GARDNER, HENRY. Resides in Dorchester, on the lower road to 
Quincy. He is called Dr. Gardner, having been bred a physician, though he 
does not practice. He is son of Henry Gardner, late of Stowe, a member of 
the Provincial Congress, and afterwards many years Treasurer of the Cum- 
monwealth. His fortune has grown under judicious and safe management. 

GASSETT, HENRY. Began the importing business with Phineas Upham, 
as Gassett & Upham, afterwards Henry Gassett & Co. 

GIBBS, MISS SARAH. A benevolent lady, and zealous Episcopalian. 

Gibbs & Channing, of Newport, (uncle of Dr. Channing ) made a large 
fortune. Before the act prohibiting the slave-trade took effect in 1816, they 
furnished cargoes to vessels in the African trade, and received cargoes of pro- 
duce from Cuba in payment for their advances. Other houses in Newport 
and Bristol pursued a similar trade. The De Wolfs, of Bristol, were always 
said to follow that detested traffic without any compunction. Much of the 
ancient wealth of Newport and Bristol mav be traced to this source. 

GODDARD, NATHANIEL. From '"Far down east,'" where he was 
well versed in the trade on the lines. He has been a large ship-owner, in the 
Baltic and freighting business ; a large underwriter ; and long President of 
the New England Bank — when he said, that every man who failed, ought to 
"be sent to the State Prison. He was a man of great energy and stern will. 



THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 17 

Mr. (Jould — long celebrated as head master of the Latin School — married a 
slaughter of Mr. Goddard, and joined him in some business. 

William Goddard — a brother — pursued a similar shipping business with 
p,reat success. He died, after a short sickness, about the same time with Fraii- 
<-is Stanton. 

GOODWIN, OZIAS. Son of the late Capt. Ozias Goodwin, and cousin of 
Ex-Mayor Chapman. Served his clerkship with Henry Lee, of Joseph & 
Henry Lee, in the Calcutta trade. Was afterwards a successful supercargo 
in the same trade Inherited property from his father, and married a cousin 
Chapman. 

GORHAM, BENJAMIN. Son of the late Nathaniel Gorham, of Charles- 
town. [See P. C. BiiooKs.] Studied law with Artemas Ward, and was Mem- 
ber of Congress until he became tired of it. Whenever he would examine a 
case, and give an opinion, no opinion had more weight. He married a Lowell. 

GRANT, AlNNA p. VVidow of Patrick Grant — a fine-looking Scotchman, 
who went from Boston to England nearly forty years ago. All were lost on 
the return passage. Mrs. Grant is a daughter of the late Jonathan Mason. 

GRAY, JOHN C. Son of the late W.m. Gray. Married a daughter of the 
late Samuel I*. Gardner — by whom, as well as his father, he had a fortune 
He has not embarked much in trade. Is studious and retiring, and is a 
contributor Ut the " North-American Review." He studied law with Samuel 
Dexter, and has been State Senator several times, 

GRAY, FRANCIS C, A bachelor. Studied law with the late eminent 
Wm. PresGott, but has practiced little except in his late father's affairs. He 
has been in the State Legislature ; and is devoted to literature and political 
economy, in the protection interest. 

GRAY, HORACE. The youngest son of the late Wra. Gray. Married 
first, Miss TJpham, of Brookfield, a neice of Thomas Upham ; and on her 
^eath, a daughter of the late Samuel P. Gardner — with a fortune. 

On coming of age, he went freely into business — the Baltic, French, and 
India trades; afterwards into the iron works on the Mill Dam. From this 
he extended in the iron business; and at the time of his late failure, his house 
was concerned the most deeply in the iron manufacture of any establishment 
in New England. They owned the iron works at Pembroke, Me., (originally 
built by Jonathan Bartlett, once President of the Passamaquoddy Bank, at 
Eastporl, which failed about 25 years ago ;) an establishment at South Bostoi^ ; 
one in Clinton Co., N. Y. ; and yet another at Saugerties, N. Y. 

His partner, Francis, is a nephew of Francis the bookseller, formerly Mun- 
roe & Francis., He was once a clerk for the father of Horace Grav, and is a 
very worthy mayi« 

It is ascertained, that the debts against Horace Gray & Co. exceed a millioji, 
falling heavily on the iron works and coal dealers in different parts of the coun- 
try. It is feared, from the heavy nature of the propeity, and the sacrifices 
that must be made in the sale of it, that the dividend will be small. 

The iron works on the Mill Dam — owned by Francis C. Gray, Horace Gray 
& Co. — and the estate of Paul Moody, have passed to Wm. Appleton, by whom 
they are carried on. 

Mr. Gray has lately occupied the house in Brighton, formerly owned and 
lived in by Commodore Downes. This was the northerly house of the two 
built by Joseph Haven and Joseph Wiggin. The other was occupied many 
years by Geo. Mannus, Esq., British Consul. 

William R. Gray — the eldest son of William, and who usually managed 
his father's business in Boston, while he lived in Salem — died some years ago. 
He marned a daughter of the late Judge Clay, of Georgia, who then lived 



18 THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 

on his plantation near Rinborough. Became a Baptist preacher, and was called 
to succeed the late Dr. Samuel StiMman, at the First Baptist Church in Back- 
street; and for a time occupied the house in which Dr. S. had lived in Salem- 
9treet, opposite Mr. Edes, the ship-bread baker, (father of the Rev. Hy. Edes, 
afterwards a Unitarian minister in Providence, R. 1.) 

William R. was a merchant in Boston, principally in tne French, Baltic, 
and India trades. 

Henry Gray — the second son — studied law with Artemas Ward, in Charles- 
town, but never practiced. Married one of the beautiful daughters of James 
Pierce, Clerk of the Municipal Court — of whom Joseph Bonaparte said, she 
was the handsomest woman he had seen in America. He also was a ship- 
owner, and in similar extensive foreign business, and a Director in the State 
Bank. He resided in Dorchester ; a member of Dr. Codman's church ; and a 
liberal benefactor to the Andover and other religious orthodox institutions. 
He now lives in New York. 

Mr. Gray's only daughter — of noted piety and benevolence — was married 
to Col, Samuel Swett. [See Swett.J 

William Gray — or as he was fam'liarly termed, " Old Billy Gray," — was 
born in Lynn, in the year 1750. ^t the age of 15, he went to Salem, as clerk 
to a Mr. Gardner. After four years, Mr. Gardner died, and young Liray be- 
came clerk to Richard Derby, a Provincial Counsellor of King George HI., 
and eldest brother of tiie late Elias Hasket Derby, Esq. As soon as he was 
of age, he owned part of a vessel with Mr. Derby — his share being the result 
of his savings while a clerk. 

He married Miss Chipman, a sister of Ward Chipman, since a Judge in the 
British Province of New Brunswick. She was a cousin of Peter C. Brooks, 
and proved one of the best of wives and mothers. 

After thewar of the Revolution had ended in the peace of 1783, he extended 
in foreign trade with varied succeS'S. Once he had lost all — but kept on, and 
regained, with unimpaired credit. 

His high integrity, and reputation for sagacity, gave confidence to many 
retired persona in Salem, Marblehead, and other towns, who placed large sums 
with him at a low rate of interest, in preference to public institutions at a 
higher rate. On one occasion, after he removed to Boston, more than thirty 
thousand black dollars were brought to him from Marblehead, which he had 
refused to take at six per cent, nearly forty years before. The owner had 
kept them safely in a cellar ! 

When William Gray left Salem, his property was valued at three millions 
of dollars, on a careful estimate made by the late Wm. B. Swett and Joshua 
Bate.s, now of Barings' house, London, then his clerks. About that time, he 
owned and loaded more than forty vessels at his own risk : he was besides 
a large underwriter, taking almost desperate risks, in the face of British and 
French seizures. His removal seems to have been necessary, even on th?.' 
scure of commissions; but political causes were not wanting. The opening 
to Tonningen was for a while vastly profitable; and the war of 1812 — when 
he had large stocks of foreign goods — added greatly to his wealth. During 
r.hat war, he advanced largely to the Government. 

On the return of peace, he continued business as formerly, but often with 
loss, for the nations on the continent of Etirope had become their own mer- 
chants. But, he hated to lay up a vessel, or see one of his old captains unem- 
ployed. 

At the time referred to, Joshua Bates, whose house of Beckford &c Bates 
had not been successful, was sent to London to act as his agent, and the agent 
of his sons. This led by degrees to his connexion with the Baiings, A stron- 



THE ARISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. 19 

get credit tlian that of any individual stranger would be often necessary in 
London, in large operations, 

Mr. Gray retired from the presidency of the Branch Bank, and was succeeded 
by the late Gardiner Greene. He soon after withdrew from business as far as 
he could, and died in 1823. 

Mr. Gray was simple and unostentatious in his habits, an early riser, and 
usually wrote his letters and orders before breakfast. Weiss, the barber, in 
Congress-street, called on him, summer and winter, at 5 o'clock. On one occa- 
sion, Weiss told him he was likely to lose his old stand, nearly opposite the 
Post-Office. Unsolicited, he offered him the money to buy it. (The son of 
Weiss is a Unitarian Minister in New Bedford.) In such spontaneous, un- 
looked-for acts, Mr. Gray loved to do good — and no one did them with more 
delicacy. It was his nature to help those whom he thought were trying to 
help themselves. On one occasion, he offered S50.00O to a person, almost a 
stranger to him, to save him from stopping — and without security ! 

As his sons canie of age, he gave each ample means, that they might start 
and work for themselves. 

His long expeiience had made him familiar with tho commerce of the globe. 
In conducting his share of it, he v/as the soul of honor — and American, 
heart and soul. How that American spirit must have exulted at the capture 
of the Giicrriere ! He knew that, but for him, the Constitution could not have 
been fitted out. The navy agent — Colonel Binney — another noble spirit, had 
exhausted his means, and broken his private credit. Regardless alike of the 
denunciations of the public press, and the scornings, batings, and badgerings 
of the junto at the Suffolk Office, he stood for his country — and the Consti- 
tutif<n went to sea, to break the charm of invincihdity ! 

Mr. Gray being thus driven from the Federal Party, he was chosen Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of the State, when Elbridge Gerry was chosen Governor over 
Christopher Gore; 

A charter was then obtained for the State Bank, with a capital of three mil- 
lions. Until then, a charter for a bank in Boston, with an odor of Republican- 
ism, could not be obtained. Mr. Gray was chosen first President of the State 
Bank. 

The men who had denounced Mr. Gray, gave Commodore Hull a public 
dinner. 

After the peace, and Treaty of Ghent, Mr. Gray presided at the public din- 
ner given to John Quincy Adams — the venerable father, John Adams, tremu- 
lous with age, seated first on his left, h noble trio ! the first Merchant in the 
country — the President past — and the President to come ! 

In lii3 daily intercourse, Mr. Gray was marked for affability. Everybody 
knew him, and he had a word for everybody. The calls of the poorest man 
had no put offs. His eyes glistened with delight when he could contrive 
employment for an old acquaintance ; and if from Lynn, all the family affairs 
were subjects of inquiry. To many beginning life, he trusted goods when 
they could not get them elsewhere — and thus started them. He met with 
many losses by this practice, and often other injury, but he would continue it. 
His refusal to any application, vvas-r" \^<"11, I'll think on't." 

On his removal to Boston, he bought for his residence the mansion of the 
deceased (lov. Sullivan. He intimated if) the executor of Gov. S.'s will, his 
wish to purchase it, if tkt extafe should he for sale. When he had decided to 
sell it. he named the price — thirty or forty thousand dollars. Mr. Gray sent a 
check for the money. 

His residence in Salem, built by him, has since been kept as the Essex Cof- 
fee-House. 



20 THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 

GRAY, SAMUEL C. Son of the late Samuel Gray, of Medford, btother 
of William, wliohad been a successful merchant in Salem, and married a sister 
of Judge Chipman, of tlie Province of New Brunswick. They inherited a 
good property from their father, and are quiet, careful merchants — minding 
their own business — chiefly in the Baltic trade. 

GRAY, JOHN — Called, for distinction, " Pre;?c/i John Gray." He is the 
son of a Boston merchant, and resided a long time in France, (Bordeaux, we 
think,) where he acquired his property ; and on his return, was distinguished 
by this name. For many years he has done little business. 

GRAY, THOMAS — Of Hawes, Gray & Co., for many years prosperous 
wholesale grocers in Tndia-street ; now on Central Wharf, commission mer- 
chants, though our old friend, Prince Hawes, still haunts the tea siles in New 
York. 

GREENE, MRS. GARDINER. Widow of the late Gardiner Greene, 
(who, at his death, was considered the richest man in Boston,) is a daughter 
of Copley the painter, and sister of the present Lord Lyndhurst, (" a Boston 
boy,"; Lord ^'hancellor of England. Mr. Greene inherited a good property, 
partly in Demarara, and increased it largely by successful traffic, before that 
colony was ceded by Holland to Great Britain. 

One of the sons — Wm. P. Greene — who resides at Norwich, Conn., studied 
law with Charles Jackson and Samuel Hubbard, (then in partnership :) is en- 
gaged in manufactures, and a main promoter of the Norwich and Worcester 
Rail-Road. Judge Hubbard married one of Mr. Greene's daughters, and is a 
principal trustee of the estate. 

Gardiner Greene's seat on Pemberton Hill was worthy of admiration. The 
large garden arose in terraces to the top of the hill, there commanding a noble 
view of the town, the harbor, the islands, and Boston Light-House, Massa- 
chusetts Bay. It was the sole charge of the waggish Wyatt, an old Scotch 
gardener, who did not spare his jokes on any oddities of his employer, even 
to his f<uidness for string heans, of which he had to provide successive fortnight 
crops till late in the fall. It was kept in fine order, and liberally open to stran- 
gers. AVyatt's lodge was at the foot of the steps, where he had always a 
" xup''' of George Murdock's choice old Cognac to offer those whom he liked 
well enough to ask in. This gardener was not green. 

GREENWOOD, W. P. A retired dentist ; father of the late Rev. F. W. P, 
Greenwood, successor of Dr. Freeman at Stone (or King's) Chapel. 

Dr. Greenwood operated successfully for himself, but rather harshly for hie 
subjects — as the writer of this has thought — many years in Friend-street. 

GORE, JOHN. Lives in Roxbury. Son of the late John Gore, who was 
brother to Gov. Christopher Gore, and a very large and successful importer of 
British dry goods, oC the firm of Gore, Miller & Parker. 

Samuel R. Miller — in his prime, one of the finest-looking men in Boston — 
injured his health by exposure on the frontiers of Canada. He had shipped 
large quantities of goods from England to Montreal, to be ready for an opening 
on the repeal of the non-intercourse act. He suffered long a martyr to dys- 
pepsia. Josiah Quincy, Jun., Mayor, married his only daughter. 

The late Governor Gore effected a great improvement in the vegetable and 
fruit market of Boston. He had resided near London several years as one of 
the Commissioners under Jay's treaty. Covent-Garden Market did not escape 
his eye. On his return, he built an elegant seat in Waltham, and laid out 
extensive grounds for gardening. First he sent presents to his epicurean 
friends, William Paine and others; but he had a great surplus. His gardener 
soon stood in the market with the finest and earliest vegetables that had beeu 
seen, and some new varieties. 



THE ARISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. 21 

Hill, uf West Cambridge, Williams, of Roxbury, and others, soon followed 
the example. J. O. Reid, a lame man, (now a wealthy ship-chandler and ship- 
owner on South si.reet, New York.) stood for M. Williams, of Roxbury, a bro- 
ther of John D. 

HAMMOND, DANIEIj. The former able and most efhcient man in the 
house of Whitney, Cutler & Hammond. As honorable as he was able. [See 
Pnxv Cutler and (jeorge Hallet.] Since that firm was dissolved, some of 
his speculations have not been fortunate. He occupied a house in Pearl near 
High-street, where Jones's boarding-house formerly stood. 

HAMMOND, SARAH. Widow of the late Samuel Hammond, long in 
the boot and shoe business in Ann-street and Merchants'-tow; and in hides 
and leather, with Samuel Train ; and a private underwriter. The Rev. Dr. 
Palfrey married one daughter, and N. P. Russell another. A son was of the 
firm of Swett & Hammond — John Swett, of "Squirrel up a tree," in Union- 
street. 

HANCOCK, JOHN. Son of Eben. Hancock, and nephew of John Han- 
cock, President of Congress at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 
and Governor of Massachusetts. .John's widow married C;ipt. Scott, master 
of the ship Minerva, the onlv ship in the London trade, owned by Dr. Eliakira 
Morse, wholesale druggist, in Dock Square. INlrs. Scott continued in the 
noble old " Hancock House," near the Slate House, on which estate Samuel 
A. Eliot's house now stands. Hancock's Wharf, (where William Parsons, 
Henry Sigourney, and Edward Craft kept, in the old wooden buildings,) 
belonged to Gov. Hancock's estate. 

The present John, (very long, and always stoopmg.j did a small business 
as agent for a powder company, in Merchants' Row, near the head of Cod- 
man's Wharf, and opposite Faneuil Hall. He inherits Gov. Hancock's estate. 

HASKINS, RALPH. A retired distiller. Long connected with the late 
Oliver Keating, once in some partnership with Theodore Lyman, when he first 
came from near Kennebunk to Boston. The Rev. Mr. Haskins, of the Epis- 
copal Church, is a nephew of Ralph. 

HAYWARD, GEORGE. Physician, and son ot the late Dr. Hayward. 
He inherited a good property from his father, and has made money in his pro- 
fession, in which he is much esteemed. 

HENSHAW, DAVID. Came from Leicester, a poor ooy. Served his 
time w!th George Brinby, (formerly Dix & Brinby,) en the south side of 
Faneuil Hall, in the wholesale druggist and dye-stuff business. Began for 
himself in State-street, in IS15, and afterwards united his brothers, in exten- 
sive business in the same line, in India-street. He established various che- 
mical works in Roxbury and at South Boston ; and it was said, at the time, 
that he was the only wholesale dealer in Boston, of practical chemical science. 

He became a warm politician ; furnished means for, and was a writer in 
the "Statesman/' — advocating, first, the claims of Mr. Crawford, then those of 
Gen. Jackson, for the Presidency. 

He was made Collector of the Port on the removal of Gen. H. A. R. Dear- 
born; and afterwards appointed Secretary of the Navy, by President Tyler — 
but this appointment was not confirmed by the Senate. 

He has since been engaged in the purchase of mineral lands, and mining 
operations for copper, on Lake Superior. Those associated with him, have 
great confidence in his skill and energy. 

He now resides at Leicester, a martyr to the gout. Indomitable energy of 
character, and abstemious habits, sustain him under great suffering — great 
enough to break down common men. 



d2 THE ARISTOCRACY n? BOSTON. 

HENSHAW, JOHN. Brother of David. Wholesale dru,?gists atid dye- 
BtufF dealers. 

HILL, DAVID. Long a small grocer in Milk-street, between Atkinson 
and Pearl. Famed for •' (hin Jish." 

HOMER, FITZHENRY. Only son of the late Benj. l\ Homer. Served 
his time with Whitvvell, l^ond & Co. B. P. Homer was the largest private 
general underwriter in Boston — and sometimes in the Canton trade. He was 
noted for fairness and promptness in the payment of losses. 

HOOPER ROBERT— HOOPER SAMUEL— HOOPER ROB^iRT C. 
Robert and John Hooper, fathers of the above, and William Reed, their brother- 
in-law, were the principal foreign mercliants of Marblehead. 

Wm. Reed was a zealous orthodox Congregationalist. One of the Hoopers 
removed to Boston — an Episcopalian. 

HUMPHREY, BENJAMIN. Born in Weymouth. An only son. Came 
young, to Boston, and served with Abraham Wild. Began himself in Fore 
(now Ann) street — then Humphrey & Clark, on Long Wharf — in the salt busi- 
ness, and su()plying fishermen with salt for the mackerel and Bank fisheries, 
and selling the cargoes on their return. He has always been a shrewd, careful, 
industrious man. 

INCHES, HENDERSON. A retired merchant, and long owner of Russia 
Wharf. Inherited an estate from his father. 

INGERSOLL, JAMES. An intelligent merchant, Central Wharf. Has 
been much abroad as supercargo to different parts of Europe. 

JACKSON CHARLES L. L. D— JACKSON JAMES— JACKSON 
PATRICK TRACY. Sons of Jonathan Jackson, late of Newburyport. He 
had an office on or near the corner of Bromfield's-lane, forty-five years ago, 
as Commissioner under the General Government. A quick, small gentleman 
in black, of the old school. 

Charles studied law with the late Theophilus Parsons, who said of him, that 
"he was bringing up ayoung hawk, to pick out his own eyes." He opened 
an office on Pemberton Hill, near the late Eben. Gay— where Francis Blan- 
chard was associated with him. He removed into the Lowell building, near 
the then new Court House, constructed by John Lowell fi)r law offices ; and 
on the death of Blanchard, invited Samuel Htibbard, who had studied with him, 
and was then in Saco, to take Blancliard's place. His practice was very great 
and very profitable. He studied thoroughly every case, not only in the law, 
but on all that related to it. Among other means to serve him for facility of 
illustration and the use of technical words, in cases of Marine Insurance, he 
procured a model ship, with every piece of timber marked with its technical 
name. 

His kindly sympathies won the hearts (often suffering ones) of his clients. 
His integrity — " that e'en his eye, when turned on empty space, beamed teen 
with honor" — was united with delicacy that shrunk, unconscious of its worth. 
His mind was of the largest comprehension; his perceptions, quick as light- 
ning; his knowledge of law, profound ; and all his aim was truth. No won- 
der that all his time and all his talents were demanded and rewarded. 

In the midst of this success, the public called for his serviced on the bench 
of the Supreme Court. He obeyed that call, and became the Ju.=;tice Buller 
of America — relinquishing a practice worth four times the amount of his salary. 
His health — never robust — began to fail. He went to Europe, and was en- 
lightened and delighted by the wonders of manufacturing industry, relieved 
and guided by science ; but most of all, by the potteries of Slaffiordshire — the 
rough elements of nature wrought into perfect forms and uses. 



THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 23 

The Bench in England awarded him distinction not before conferred on 
any foreigner — he was seated with Stowell 

He returned from Europe with improved health, and has since lived in 
retirement. May lie live long, and happy ! 

After James had pursued his sludies in this country, lie went to Europe, 
to henefit by its institutions. On his return, he opened an office in Hanover- 
street, (near the residence of Wm. Cooper, the old town clerk, whose house 
is still standing — No. 6.) 

How few are left united of those who got their marriage certificates of good 
old Mr. Cooper ! When Dr. Jackson opened his office, a career of unex- 
ampled success opened to him. Wealth and honors followed him. The 
hearts of his patients, especially females, were always with him. No man 
ever attended woman with more patience and delicacy, through scenes and 
sufferings that woman only knows. Their mental suffijring he tried to alleviate, 
by introducing a lady thoroughly educated in midwifery. He was opposed 
by a majority of the profession. He retired from active practice, to the regret 
of many fanjilies, v/hen receiving a large income from it. For more than 
twenty years he has been consulting physician only. 

JACKSON, PATRICK T. — More than forty years ago, was extensively 
engaged in the Calcutta trade, with Joseph and Henry Lee. 

Beerboom Gurrahs, Ghittabilly Baftahs, and Cawnpore Sonnahs or Mamoo- 
dies, are now unknown here. They have been driven away by Waltham and 
Lowell cottons — and these are now shipped to India. 

Mr. .lackson is identified with the change, and has been a principal afenl 
in producing it; and Lowell is as likely now to equal Manchester, as it was 
forty years ago to be what it now is. He is said to have lost much property 
in building Femberton Square and Tremont Row 

LAMB, THOMAS. President of the Washington Insurance Company. 

James and Thomas Lamb were old merchants in State-street, to Holland 
and the Baltic. Tiiomas is son of one of them ; the other died a bachelor. 
The property of both fell to him. 

LAMSON, JOH\. Long of Lane & Lamson, retailers, (now Lane, Lam- 
son & Co.) importers of dry goods. They have a house in New York. 

LAWRENCE, AMOS— LAWRENCE, ABBOTT—LAWRENCE, WIL- 
LIAM — LAWRENCE, SAMUEL— Are sons of a farmer not rich, in Groton, 
Middlesex Co. 

The oldest brother — Luther — studied law with Timothy Bigelow, (the Rev. 
Timothy Bigelow, Unitarian minister, late of Taunton, is his son,) pouular 
in Middlesex and Worcester Counties, and long Speaker of the House of Re- 
presentatives. Mr. Bigelow removed to Medford, and Luther succeeded to 
some of the business of hi^ office in Groton. He was afterwards appointed to 
an agency in Lowell: fell into a mill-race, and was drowned. He was a 
worthy man, 

Amos removed first to Boston ; was joined by Alibott in the dry goods busi- 
ness, in a very small way, in Cornhill, (near David Greenough and old Caleb 
Bingham's book-store.) They removed to New Cornhill, on the north side, 
in Chambers, near the alley leading down the steps to Brattle-street Church. 
While in Cornhill, their standing v^as jeopardized once, in consequence of 
some severe steps taken by Mr. Lodge, an Englishman, resident in Boston. 
They surmounted the difficulty, and ever after maintained undoubted credit. 
How much of future life hangs by a thread ! 

Amos married a daughter of Col. Robert Means, of Amherst, N. Hampshire, 
an extensive country trader. Col. M. was an Irishman, who for many years 
travelled round the country with a pack of goods on his back as a pedler. 



24 THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 

He afterwards established himself in Amherst, and became wealthy. James 
Means, of Boston, is a nephew. Thomas Means, of New York, is another. 
Mrs. Amos Lawrence had had a previous husband — one of the Judo-es of New 
Hampshire. 

Abbott married a daughter of Timothy Bigelow, before mentioned. Mr. B 
had married into the Williams' family — a sister of Samuel ^Villiams, of Lou- 
don, then doing all the best business from Salem and Boston. Timothy Wil- 
liams, his agent, was a Director in the Boston Bank ; and William Pratt (iafe 
of Boott & Pratt,) had married a Williams also, who was another Director in 
the Boston Bank, David Greenough, before mentioned, a zealous friend, wa» 
a Director in the New-England Bank, v/here Amos or Abbott became a Di- 
rector also, and afterwards in the Suffolk Bank. 

Williams, Pratt, Greenoutjh, and the I^ew-England Bank, were all dealers 
in sterling exchange. 

Before the war of 1812, the bulk of importations was made but twice a year. 
Long credits were given here. To buy well in England, and give such credits, 
required large capital, or ample means somewhere. From the above sources* 
the Lawrences could always command them. Their country connexion also 
gave them great advantages. Means was a leading man in New Hampshire. 
The Brazers (large traders in Groton and Worcester,) and Timothy Bigelow, 
were known to all New England, and familiar with every member of a Legis- 
lature of six or seven hundred, whom he c(;uld call by riame. 

Thus few young men were better prepared to start for a prosperous coreer ; 
and their respective talents fitted them well too. Amos — mild, sagacious, 
quick, (he could add three columns of figures at once, as rapidly as most men 
could one,) the desk man, the counsellor; Abbott — frank, bold, decided, but 
not repulsive — as ready to break through obstructions as he was " to break 
the back of a long invoice," examine the goods, and mark them for the shelves- 
Industry, high honor, and vigilance in looking after debts, secured success. 
Vigilance was not the least necessary under the detested law of attachment 
on mesne process. As manufactures advanced, they felt their way cautiously, 
securing the advantage of consignments. The honors of bold pioneers cannot 
be awarded them. When less prudent neighbors were shipwrecked, they 
were able to profit by their disasters, and buy into profitable concerns. Go- 
vernment had forced maimfactures upon the country ; their interests became 
gradually identified with them ; importations of many foreign goods could no 
longer be honestly and gainfully made. Abbott Lawrence was the natural 
trained champion of the tariff policy, and boldly appeared as such in Congress,. 
There his open-hearted manners conciliated good opinion, and neutralized or 
put to flight all suspicion of the shrewd Yankee. He spoke but seldf)m — with 
more weight, of course, when he did — readily, well-informed;, to the purpose. 
He had a great interest to watch ; animosities must not be raised on minor 
questions : he was a wise representative, and dangerous opponent. 

The feeble health of Amos, and more retiring habits, have made the public 
less acquainted with his merits. Many who know them well, consider him 
the superior man. 

Their best addition is> they do good w^th their money. A week hardly 
passes, without some report of large munificence. Institutions connected with 
education seem to receive their first attention. Simple manners add charms 
to their gifts. J 

William Lawrence came to Boston after Amos and Abbott were established, 
and went also into the dry goods business. He married the only daughter of 
William Bordman, [see Bordman, Lydta,] with large expectations : then 
Sook as partner Samuel, (now at Lowell ;) then Mr. Stone — and the firm be- 



THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 2S 

came W. & S, Lawrence & Stone. His career in business has been somewhat 
similar to that of his brothers. The source of his wife's fortune may have 
infused a more adhesive property into his. The Hurd concern at Lowell, 
[see HuRi),] forced them Jiiore into the manufacture of woollens — not yet so 
safely and profitably established as cottons. 

LOD<_tE, (iILES An l-'Jnglishman. Came from Liverpool 50 or 55 years 
a'^o. John and Adam Ijodrre, his brothers, (among the first American mer- 
cliants in Liverpool at that time,) aided him. They were the sliipping houses 
of the Wiggins, Appletons, and all the principal importing houses. Giles 
was an importer of dry goods, hats, &c. He married a Miss Langdon — a sister 
uf the wife of Tht)mas Cardis. After living in Green-street, he bought the 
elegant house at the foot of the common in Boylstcm-street, built by Nathaniel 
Tucker, who had acquired a fortune in the wholesale grocery business in JNIer- 
chants'-row — first Alanson and Nathaniel, then Beza and Nathaniel. 

Nathaniel Tucker was more fortunate than Thomas Day, (not the "old 
Thomas," nor the " young Thomas," of the old glee he loved so well — but the 
author of "Sandford and Merton,") who educated tivo orphan girls, from whom 
he might choose a wife — but neither would have him ! Tucker educated but 
one — and she did have him. Tucker afterwards retired to Newtown, where 
he died prematurely. He was one of the early promoters of the Handel and 
Haydn Society. « 

To return to Mr. Lodge. He is a quiet, good man — and, were foreigners 
always as quiet, there vvouhl be less corruption in politics ; few votes would 
be bought or sold, either for rum or office : but, for forty years, corruption 
l;a3 gone on increasing. Thousands of foreigners are annually bought before 
they are naturalized; by many, perjury is committed ; and yet each party — 
tliat should be Americans — vies with the other for success in the damning pro- 
cess ! Where will it end ? This has meaning : the writer refers to what he 
hicw in Boston, of the first men of both parties, nearly forty years ago. 

LORING, CALEB. Of the late firm of Loring & Curtis, merchants, and 
he long a large underwriter. His first wife — Ann Greeley, of Marblehead — 
v.'as mother of his children. Mis second wife was the daughter of the late 
Rev. Mr. Lathrop. He is a native of the large town of Hull, atid was a 
member of the Massachusetts Senate in 1S.2S. 

LORING, CHARLES G. Son of Caleb. Studied law with Chas. Jack- 
son — the best school for law, manners, ami morals. He is a good scholar, and 
reaps his reward in a large Dractice aiid the confidence of all who know him. 

LORING, BENJAMIN. Of Hingham. Whitman, the annalist, (of the 
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company,) says of him, that ho is universally 
popular and justly esteemed, and that there is as much of a benediction in his 
countenance, as in that of the late President Ivirkland. His brothers were — 
George, of Malaga, (justly celebrated for his dried fiuit — ''Loring's" brand 
l)eing preferred to all others;) he left a large foitunc: Josiah, a stationer, 
and successful maker of cheap and improved globes : and Elijah, long 
wharfinger of Long Wharf, agent for George of Malaga, and a Director of the 
Eagle Bank. 

LOWELL, REV. CHARLEfci, D. D.,— The amiable n,inister of the West 
Church, (Unitarian — formerly that of the celebrated Dr. Chauncey,) — is son 
o[' the late Judge Lowell, of the U. S. District Couit; tlesccnded from an old 
Newbury family. The Rev. Dr. resides at Cambridge, and is father of Lowell, 
the poet. 

LOWELL, FRANCIS C.,— Is son of the late Francis C. Lowell, another 
son of Judge Lowell, to whom, more than any other individual, belongs the 
credit of establishing the Waltham cotton factory, (the precursor of those at 



26 THE AUISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. 

Lowell,) tlial ruinie he'liiir (fiveti to liis liouse. He wore out a feeble frame 
in study and anxiety to efi'ect these objects. A son of the late Francis C, 
(John Lowell. Jr.) matried a dauu;hter of good Jonathan Amory. Losing his 
wife and children, he travelled abroad, and died in Egypt, having by will 
fmuided the " Lowell Institute." Mr. Francis C. Lowell is Actuary to the 
Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company. 

LOWELL, JOHN A.., — Is son of the late John Lowell, another son of 
Jud^e Lowell. He was an able lawyer, and zealous in politics and all useful 
public works. His ardent spirit gave impetus to, and carried through, the pro- 
ject of the Mill Dam ; in fact, he gave fire to all he did, and great knowledge 
and sagacity. As zealous in horticulture and agriculture — residing in ]»ox- 
bury. He was the " Boston rebel " of forty years since. The Lowell Build- 
ings in School-strcft were put up by him. By the will of his late nephew 
above named, he was made First Curator of the Lowell Institute, with power 
to appoint his successor — which he did, in the person of his son, Mr. John A, 
Lowell, who is atrent also for several Lowell factories. 

LYMAN, GEORGE H. .Son of the late Theodore Lyman, who came Ut 
Bost<jn from York, Me. (v. here his father was minister,) on board a wood sloop, 
to seek his fortune. He had great success in the North- West Coast and Can- 
ton trade. Deep animosity existed between him and the Perkins' house for a 
long time — law suits. He agreed not to pursue, for a certain time, within 
certain limits, the North-West Coast trade. George VV. layman — his son — 
went into the trade, for the first time ! 

Wm. Sturgis had been in his employment to the North-West Coast and 
Canton. On the reHirn of the ship, her teas were sold at auction. Sturgis 
bid off a large lot at the sale, under the usual conditions of satisfactory endorsed 
paper. No paper could be satisfactory, though it were covered with the best 
names in Boston. He was a man of strong mind and bad passion.-^. Such 
men are not sciupulous in the choice of means to effect their purposes. Shy- 
lock could sacrifice wealth to revenge. 

It is delightful to see and feel such a character softened down by association 
with his retreat at Waltham — long the most elegant among the many elegant 
seats around Boston. 

George is President of the Lowell Rail-Road Company. Married a daughter 
of H. G. Otis for his first w ife, and of Wm. Swett for his second. His manner 
is coldest of the cold. 

MiVRETT, PHILIP. Formerly Cashier, and since President of the New- 
England Bank, His father died when he was young, leaving two children — 
Philip, and a sister, married to Aaron Baldwin. His mother kept a small 
shop in Washington Street, near Boylston Market. Philip got much credit 
in the city councils. His recent unfortunate difficulties with the N. E. Bank, 
have made much noise. He now resides on Long-Island. 

MASON. WILLIAM P. Son of the late Jonathan Mason. Studied law 
with Charles Jackson. Is an excellent mair — of winning. deportment— and, 
as he deserves to be, in good practice, and highly respected. 

iMASON. JEREMIAH. Was President of the late U. S. Branch Bank 
at Portsmouth. N. H. President Jackson's failure in attempting bis removal, 
was the first public intimation of his intentioi/ to control or destroy that insti- 
tution. Mr. Mason is one of the great men of New Hampshire, and an able 
lawyer. His wife is a daughter of the late Col. Means, of Amherst, and a 
sister to the wife of Amos Lawrence. 

MAY, SAMUEL. The oldest hardware-dealer in Boston. Kept many 
years in Union-street, near Marshall's-lane, and removed to the corner of State- 
street and Broad, when the latter street was opened, and has remained there 
ever since. 



THE ARI3TOCKACY OF KOSTON. 27 

He is a pattern nf industry an3 exactness, and has prosperously glided through 
many changes. He is the beneficial author of one general and useful reform. 

His late brother, Col. Joseph May, was long Secretary of the Boston Marine 
Insiii-ance Company, where George Cabot was President. He was much em- 
ployed on arbitrations. Misfortunes in business had not dimini.shed general 
respect and confidence. 

With Perez Martin, Ebenezer Oliver, and others, he took an active part in 
changing the Episcopal King's Chapel into the Unitarian Stone Chapel. Mor- 
ton, Oliver, and May, ordained the late Dr. Freeman. The Liturgy of the 
Church was castrated. The Church remains the only eunuch in the countrv. 

MINOT, WILLIAM. A good lawyer and a gentleman. Son of the'late 
Judge Minot. His wife is a daughter of the late .ludge Davis. Mrs. Robert 
Sedgwick, of New York, is a sister. His grandfather was the historian of Massa- 
chusetts. 

NHjES, VV. J. Livery-stable keeper. Once of Newell & Niles, merchants 
and speculators, in Dorchester. Tliey failed, and Niles took up his present 
business. 

ODIN, GEORGE. An old bachelor. Long a hardware dealer in Dock 
Square — as was his older brother John, whose retail department was a noted 
curiosity shop. John Breed, of Ebenezer & John, opposite to him, once made 
abet with a person, that he could not name an article of hardware that rvould 
not be found in .John Odin's shop. The man named a pig's muzzle. John 
found it, and W(jn his bet. Of course, the man would not quiz John, who was 
from " pig town," and had bought Hog Island, and noted for — personal neat- 
ness ! 

John Odin married a'Miss Walter, daughter of the Rev. Di'. Walter, for- 
merly of Christ Cliurch, Salem-street — the steeple of which blew down durin"- 
the great October gale of 1803. 

Lynde Walter, a brother of this lady — once a merchant — was father to the 
'' Transcript" Walter. 

OLIVER, HENRY J. A North-End boy, and of the firin of Oliver, Bor- 
land & Abbott, whon tbey began the auction business; afterwards in City and 
State employments, rlie duties of which he performed with pl^ncfilious i\3e\hy. 

OXNARD, HENRY. Was an intelligent shipmaster, in the employ of 
Wm. Gray, David Hinkley, and others ; afterwards merchant, and sent as 
agent to New Orleans, for Lowell factories. Confided in, deservedly, by all, 
for fidelity, sound judgment, and integrity. 

PARKS, ELLS HA. Ftjrmerly Elisha & Luther ParKs, auctioneers, in 
Kilby-street. corner of Doane, ■where Barker & Bridge had been — now, Parks, 
Baldwin & Parks, dry goods and domestic commissions. 

^ PARKER JAMES— PARKER PETER— PARKER CHARLES.— 
Sons of the late John Parker — a man made to have his n;ark. Said to have 
begun life by driving a country butcher's cart. At any rate, he soon had a 
good commission business ; then a heavy one, to which he admitted several 
of his sons as partners — the late John, jr., being the first. His business was 
mostly from Nevvburyport, and towns east of that, and Newport and Bristol. 
The business of the De Wolfs was very large. 

It was a sure proof of credit to be able to buy of John Parker. He was 
exact in selling, and looked more to security than to strained price. He had 
often made advances. He was said to go early to his commanding seat in 
Roxbury, to avoid Boston taxes. Bizearrolaya's shop in Congress street, for 
years his resort, was once a dr(dl scene. John had been dressed, queue-tail 
tied and powdered as usual, and gave Biz money. In receiving cbange, he 
was short a half cent. " How 's this ]" '♦ What, sir 1" " I want^half a cent." 



28 THE ARrsTOCIlACY OF BOSTOiV. 

"O yes, sir — yes, sir !" The vvaq; took a cent, put it in a vice, and began to 
bend it. " \\ hat are you doing ?" " Gning to give you half" a cent, sir." It 
was soon broken — but John was off. That half cent was kept for many a joke. 

Wm. Shimmin married his only (daughter. 

PARKER, MRS. JOHN. Widow' f,f the late John Parker— the oldest son 
of the noted John. ]>orn a Sergeant. 

PARKER, SAMUEL D. Son of the late Rev. Dr. Parker, Rector of 
Trinity Church, and Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, who remained faitlifully 
with bis clunch duiing the Revolutionary War. The Bishop once preached 
a sermon before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, vvitli great 
applause. A few days after, he was complimented in one of the papers for 
the eloquence of his discourse ; and a conclusion of its excellence was given, 
V)y its agreeing so closely with a sermon of the celebrated Saurin ! The first 
five volumes (jf Saurin's sermons had just appeared, translated by Robert Ro- 
binson, a noted Baptist minister of Cambridge, who afterwards became an 
Arian or Socinian. Robert Hall was afterwards minister of the same church. 

PRATT, GEORGE. Son of the late Capt. John Pratt, who followed a 
successful trade in the Gulf of Mexico, while Spain was at war with England. 
Retired from sea, and was the first to run regular packets in the New Orleans 
trade; and after George had had a good training, formed with him, John Pratt 
& Son — still keeping in tlie New Orleans packet and cotton trade. John 
bought the large house at the head of Pearl-street, formerly owned by Jona- 
than Harris, called "Harris's Folly.*' 

George married a daughter of Giles Lodge. Excellent parentage on both 
sides! His industry and prudence have deserved and secured wealth; and 
his kind lieart and cheerful temper will make him happy. 

PRESCOTT, WILLIAM H. Son of that safe, industrious, sagacious, 
and eminent lawyer, the late William Prescott, and grandson of Col. Prescott, 
who commanded the American troops at Bunker Hill. 

Mr. Prescott studied law with Ins father, and inherited a large fortune from 
him, which was increased by marriage in the Amory family. But he has dis- 
tinguished himself above all the honors of wealth, by his ability as an his- 
torian — one of the first (perhaps the first) of the age. His Histories of " Fer- 
dinand and Isabella," the " Conquest of Mexico," and the " Conquest of Peru," 
have achieved European reputation. American books are read, and praised. 
The merit of these books is enhanced by the perseverance that has overcome 
the difliculties under which they were composed. While at the University. 
he received an injury in one of his eyes, that deprived him of the sight of it. 
The other became so much debilitated, that for many years together it has been 
useless for reading and writing. The reader is referred to the Preface to his 
" Conquest of Peru," for an affecting account of his disadvantages and inge- 
nious contrivances. Manly courage and cheerful piety have sustained him in 
his struggles. 

PUTNAM, MISS CATHARINE. Daughter and only child of the late 
Jesse Putnam, of the firm of Putnam & Ingafls, in Kilby-street. Mr. Putnam 
was deservedly and highly reputed for mercantile knowledge, good judgment, 
and undoubted integrity. He was much called upon in cases of reference and 
arbitration. His steady democracy never lost him a friend in the hottest parly 
times. Suavity and goodnature, such as his, softened baser tempers in others. 
As might be expected, from being long the companion of such a father, Miss 
Putnam's mind is highly accomplished by extensive reading and study. 

QUINCV, JOSIAH. Descended from a time-honored ancestry, has been 
distinguished by great ardor and energy through a long life. Previous to the 
war of 1S12, he was a ranting Federal spouter in Faneuil Hall; and :n Con- 



THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 29 

gress uttered the foolish taunt, that the Government could not be" kicked into 
a war." It was about the time that he said of Henry Clay, that "he spent his 
days in a gambling-house, and his nights in a brothel !" Mr, Clay, however, 
paid him in his own coin, when he remarked of him, in a debate subsequent 
to this, that "he soiled the carpet on which he stood!" and that as Judas 
Iscariot would be remembered through all time, for his betrayal of the Savior, 
so he (Quincy) would be held in abject remembrance for his remarks upon 
Jefferson. He was Judge of the Municipal Court on the trial of Buckingham 
for a libel on Maffit. His charge denied the old doctrine, — "the greater tho 
truth, the greater the libel." As Mayor of Boston, he projected the new mar- 
ket, and the noble ranges of stores where formerly stood the dangerous and 
unsightly buildings of Merchants' Row and Codman's Wharf. He was un- 
wearied in his efforts to promote cleanliness in the streets, remove obstruc- 
tions from the sidewalks, and to jmrify the hill. Bcnj. Pollard was his lieu- 
tenant, and was closely trotted after by the Mayor on his pony. He was 
afterwards elected President of Harvard University. 

Mr. Quincy married into the Phillips' family. He has been a zealous co- 
operator in agricultural improvements. Brighton Fair and Cattle Show alv/ays 
found him there. Hearty, fearless energy, has made Mr. Quincy a useful man. 

QUINCY, JOSIAH, Jr. — The present Mayor of Boston, inherits many of 
the good qualities of his father, softened by greater amenity. Like him he is 
fortunate by the progress of great public improvements during his mayoralty. 
The new water-works will eclipse the new market. 

He married the only daughter of the late Samuel R. Miller, [see Gore, 
Mrs. .Iohn,] with a moderate fortune. His principal wealth is the reward of 
merit, from trusts faithfully executed. 

REED, BENJAMIN T. President of the Eastern Rail-Road and of the 
Shawmut Bank. His father married a niece of the late Mrs. Willians Gray, 
(Miss Blackler.) Pie had not been successful in business at Marblehead ; and 
for him Mr. Gray built the mill in the Mill Dam, for grinding corn and wheat, 
and furnished money to carry it on. This investment has resulted badly for 
the Gray family. They could not get rid of it. Tha iron works were added 
by Horace Gray, to use the whole water power. 

Benevolence prompted the first purchase. The property is now carried on 
by Wm. Appleton. 

REVERE, .lOSEPH W. Son of Paul Revere, of venerable revolutionary 
memory, and eminent as a bell-founder and copper-smith. Joseph W. succeeded 
his father in the same line, conducting it with sagacity and prudent enterprize. 
He has a son, (Dr. Revere,) who is distinguished as a professor in the Medical 
and Surgical College of the University of New York. Dr. Mott, (the Warren 
at least of that city,) is a professor in the same College. 

RICE, HENRY G. From Brookfield. Formerly an importer of British 
dry goods, first as Rice & Reed — then Rice, Reed & Co., who were not suc- 
cessful. Mr. Rice married a daughter of Wm. H. Boardman, of the firm of 
Board man & Pope, and by her inheritance the fortunes of Mr. Rice were 
much bettered. His lady is sister to the celebrated and accomplished widow 
of the late Harrison Gray Otis, jr. 

RICHARDS, REUBEN. Served his time with John Odin, long in the 
hardware business in Dock Square — now in metals, in South-Market Street. 
The hardware business requires very close application ; this, and constant deal- 
ing in files and sharp instruments, may give a keen edge to the faculties. 

RICHARDSON JEFFREY — RICHARDSON JAMES B. — RICH- 
ARDSON BENJAMIN P. Brothers, extensively in the wire trade, of long 



30 THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 

Standing and great indiistiy and shrewdness, at the head of Central Wharf 
on India Street. 

ROBBINS, EDWARD H. Son of Lieutenant-Governor Robbins, of Mil- 
ton. Was educated for a physician, but jireferred speculation in real estate, 
and finally succeeded in securing a fortune. He has a vigorous and manly 
mind. He married a daughter of Barnabas Hedge, of Plymouth, once very 
wealthy. 

Lieutenant-Governor Robbins was celebrated for great ])nwer8 of memory, 
and for his loose manner of business, under many embarrassments. He will 
be remembered " down easf," as having been the original proprietor of what 
is now Rohhlnton, in Washington County, Me. He was in the habit of visiting 
that place frequently about forty years ago. He was Lieutenant-Crovernor at 
the time Caleb Strong was Governor. 

ROGERS, HENRY B. Studied law with Charles Jackson. Is son of the 
late Daniel Denison Rogers, who had been in the dry goods business, and 
later in life moved in stocks and notes, and invested also in good real estate. 
Henrv B. deserves all good fortune. 

RdSSELL, NATHANIEL P. Was Long quiet, diligent, and saving in 
the business of Marine Insurance — first as Secretary to the New-England, y 
with P. C. Brooks, President. He married a daughter of the late Samuel f] 
Hammond, and from her property and his own, he invested in manufactures, 
and lias grown rich. 

SALISBURY, SAMUEL. Son of the late Samuel Salisbury, a deacon of 
the Old South Church, with Deacon Phillips, and also a director of the Massa- 
chusetts Bank. He was in partnership with his brother Stephen — S. & S. 
Salisbury — in British dry goods and hardware. Stephen retired to Worcester, 
with wealth, and has succeeded Daniel Waldo there as President of the old 
Worcester Bank, that would never pay tribute to the Suffolk Bank. 

SEARS, DAVID. Inherited a large fortune — nearly a million — fiom his 
father, of the same name. He married a daughter of the late .Tonathan Mason. 
He has invested laigely in manufacturing corporations ; and, by his ample 
means, decision, and sagacity, has profited by the reverses of some concerns, 
where smaller capitals have been lost. 

Mr. Sears is a roan of cultivated mind, refined taste and manners, and of 
large public views. He left Dr. Channing's church when St. Paul's was built, 
and joined that parish. He has been a liberal benefactor to that church and 
several other public institutions. His project for abolishing slavery, deserves 
more attention than it appears yet to have received. Previous to the war of 
1812, he commanded the Cadets, and has recently been recalled to that com- 
mand, to retrieve the declining fortunes of that select company. Twenty -five 
years ago, t)ie residence of Mr. Sears on Beacon-street was considered the 
best house in Boston. He has a cottage at Nahant, and another seat at tW. 
mouth of Penobscot River, His father joined with the late Col. Thorndike 
and Wm. Prescott, in the purchase of several islands in that vicinity, and other 
property in different parts of Maine. 

SHAW, ROBERT GOULD. Came to Boston young and poor: a distant 
relation of the late Samuel Parkman — one of whose daughters, by his second 
wife, he married. For several years he was princijial of the firm of Shaw. 
Barker & Bridge, auctioneers, in State, nearly opposite Kili)y-street ; after- 
wards, of the firm of Tuckerman, Shaw & Rogers, (Edward Tuckerman, who 
had married a daugliter of Mr. Parkman's first wife,) large importers of British 
goods, in Dock Stjuare. Subsequently, he kept on Central Wharf, in the Sicily 
and Trieste trade, and general shipping and commission business — uniting with 



THK ARISTOCRACY OP «OSTON. 31 

Him, Mr. Perkins, (brought up bim — a son of Samuel Perkins, a house painter 
and floor-cloth manufacturer,) antl one of his sons. 

The bland manners of Mr. Sliavv, made him early friends ; and the great 
confidence reposed in him by Mr. Parkman, gave him great command of capital 
for any emergency. He could and would always advance, on undoubted secu- 
rity, for an aderjuaie commission. In the spiing of ISIG, he sold Wm. (Cray's 
notes, received for Rice & Savage's (afterwards Commercial) Wharf,) at 2^ 
per cent, per month, to raise money to make advances with. Treasury note* 
were worth but 75 cents on the dollar. What must they have paid who re- 
ceived the advances? The money pressure was very great. . The Southern 
banks were trying to resume specie payments. 

Mr. Shaw has always been a thorough and diligent desk man. He examiTied 
every bill and amount himself, and for a long time kept his own books. 

Forty five years ago, auction-sales in Bostim were disgraced, almost univer- 
sally, with by-bidding. The practice was so general, that no disgrace or dis- 
honor was thought to attach to it. Of course, it was met by combinations 
among buyers — ^fraud contending against fraud ! — auctioneers base enough to 
be tools ! Mr. Shaw long contiimed wedded to this practice, from force of 
habit. 

Francis George Shaw, the Fourierite, and translator of George Sands' works, 
is a son, and lives now on Staten-Island, N. Y. His wife is a daughter of 
Wm. Sturges. Another son is a Roman Catholic priest, and has recently 
returned from Rome, where he has been completing his studies. 

SHAW, LEMUEL. Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. 
Son of the Rev, Oakes Shaw, of Barnstable. Married a daughter of Josiah 
Knapp, the distiller. He was many years attorney of the New-England Bank, 
and in moderate practice only as a lawyer. But, he was much engaged in 
important references, so that his sound and comprehensive mind vvas well 
known. Public opinioa pointed to him as the successor of Chief-Justice Par- 
ker. Orthodox influence could not prevent it. Chief-Justice Shaw is an Uni- 
tarian. 

WARREN, JOHN C. The eminent surgeon— the Valentine Mott of Bos- 
ton — succeeded his father. Dr. John Warren, in practice. In reputation and 
science, he has far surpassed him. 

Dr. John Warren was zealous in the cause of his country during the Revo- 
lution, and served as a surgeon through the war. General Jnseph Warren 
was a volunteer, and killed at Bunker Hill. Twenty years ago, his remains 
were removed to Dr. Warren's tomb under St. Paul's Church, and a monument 
to his memory erected by Dr. W., — with an epitaph, elegant for its Latiiuty — 
fronting the eastern entrance to the cemetery. 

Dr. Warren has married daughters of the late Jonathan Mason and Lieu- 
tenant-Governor Winthrop. He took a warm interest in the settlement of 
Dr. Potter at St. Paul's Church, where he was a warden. He is zealous and 
active in the cause of temperance. 

Since that time, few men have grown. to fill so wide a span of usefulness as 
Alunzo Potter — now Bishop of Pennsylvania. He has fulfilled Bishop Hobart's 
opinion of his early promise, when he selected him as President of the new 
College at Groneva, at twenty-seven years of age. To great talent he unites 
wisdom in government. President Wayland, an early friend, said of him, 
"He is a great foot!" 

WILLL\MS. JOHN D. Of the firm John D. & Moses Williams. Has 
long been eminent as a dealer in wine and spirits, especially -on the neck. 
He was first a market gardener from Roxbury, where his brother long followed 
the same calliBg. A long life of devoted industry and economy has made him 



32 THE ARISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. 

very rich. Few men l)ave understood better liow to adapt vvii.e and spirits 
to different tastes He always took ^reat care in selecting — and his taste was 
coiisideied good — that many of the fust retail grocers were always willing to 
pay a profit for his selections, in his teas as well as the above articles. 

WILLIAMS, MOSES. A biother— bred by John D., and then taken as 
8. partner. He now manages the business. 

WINCHESTER, WM. PARSONS. Son of the late Edmund Winchester, 
of the firm of E. A. & VVm. P. Winchester; and as that firm (the first pro- 
vision-house in America,) is still continued, we shall include all the piincipal 
parties in this notice. 

Edmund and Amasa came from Newton about fifty-five years ago. * The 
butcher's stall in Faneuil-Hall Market was attended by Amasa for about thirty 
years, while ^'dmund was the out-door man, and buyer at Brighton. Their 
talent and industry early attracted the notice of the late Ebenezer Parsons, 
who offered, unsolicited, to endorse for them at the Massachusetts Bank — 
which he did until his death. When that took place, that Bank discounted 
all they wanted, without endorser. This command of capital enabled them to 
go into the market at all times. In the packing season, they killed at Lechrnore 
Point — a thousand head weekly. Their packing business is now principally 
at Cincinnati. Their brands for beef, pork, soap, and candles, have always 
stood the first in the country — and this credit is mainly due to the unwearied 
efforts of Edmund Winchester. 

Edmund Winchester was long a zealous Federalist of the old school, and 
very influential among country members. He was of great natural talent, 
great energy, and a Gillite Baptist, of the First Baptist Church — living near by 
in Richmond-street. 

Amasa was less prominent, and more retiring. His taste and knowledge of 
music was self-acquired, and extensive. He was zealous for its advancement, 
and for many years led the choir of Dr. Stillman's church. He was many 
years Pret.ident of the Handel and Haydn Society, and a member of several 
other musical societies. To no individual is Boston more indebted in time, 
talent, and purse, in promoting the culture of music. Handel and Mozart 
were his favorites. For many years after Dr. Stillman's death, ho worshipped 
at Dr. Sharp's. He died in December, 1846. 

Boston never had two better or more useful citizens. 

William P. was bred with his father and uncle, and early admitted a partner. 
He married the only daughter of the late Thomas D. Brashe, by whom he had 
a large fortune — nearly a million. He follows up the business with the family 
energy — going west every winter, to superintend the purchases of pork, and 
packing, &c. 

Col. Winchester (of the Cadets) has shown the partialities of the family for 
aquatic sports, by his fine yacht, the " NortherTi Light." Like his father, he 
avoids public office. 

Postscript. — It will be observed, that several of the pai'ties we have here 
mentioned, have lately deceased. This would have been slated in its proper 
place, had the author been able to have overlooked the proofs while the work 
was passing through the press. Another number will be issued in a few 
weeks, and it is probable that the work will be extended to yet other numberS; 
so as to include the prominent men of other places as well as Boston. 

*^* Any person furnishing important and reliable matter for the future num- 
bers of this work, will be fully compensated. Address, with real name, 

" Publisher Boston Aristocracy, Boston Post-Office." 

Boston, February^ 1848. 

H^ 107 89 I'* 









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